Analysis of 113 studies revealed that researchers most often selected their learning disabled sample on the bases of academic, age and sex, and intelligence components. Less than half used the process or exclusion components or included a description of grade placement. (CL)

A study of articles appearing in the "Journal of Learning Disabilities," from 1971 through 1980, yielded results such as 87 percent of definitions of dyslexia were in terms of a selective reading or spelling deficiency on a standardized test and only one of 45 studies classified dyslexics. (Author/MC)

The article emphasizes the need for a uniform format for defining the populations selected for research, particularly with learning disabled individuals. The population descriptions from three studies dealing with some aspect of reading are presented and scrutinized in terms of the four categories. (Author/DLS)

In response to S. A. Cohen's paper on research problems in learning disabilities (LD), the author agrees that much research has shown inconsistent and inconclusive results, points out conceptual inadequacies in LD research, stresses the need to define the research population, and differentiates between constructs and behaviors. (DB)

The author suggests that, if the purpose of classification is to provide educational services, the category of learning disabilities be used to describe pupils with mild handicaps. She cites the folly of research on sytem-selected students because system-selection decisions are biased by political, practical, and financial influences. (CL)

In response to S. A. Cohen's paper on research problems in learning disabilities the author agrees on the need for better definitions and more experimental studies (rather than ex post facto correlational studies) but suggests that subgroups within the broad classification of learning disabilities be identified for research and instructional…

The author argues for an epidemiology data base (which looks at cognitive, aptitude, family condition, school condition, and personal characteristic variables) as a strategy for research with learning disabled (LD) adolescents and young adults. An operational definition, advantages, and problems of this type of research strategy are outlined. A…

Applies the judgment analysis technique (JAN) to the decision-making procedure of learning disabilities (LD) specialists. Each group of learning disabilities specialists, as formed by JAN, represented a different judgmental policy or a different construct of learning disabilities. (Author/RK)

The study involving 12 to 15 year old boys was designed to provide further information on the question of whether there is a link between adjudicated delinquency and learning disabilities. Ss were given an assessment battery which included three major parts: tests for determining presence or absence of learning disability, an observational…

Definitional problems surrounding the terms "hyperactivity" and "learning disabilities" cannot be fully resolved unless dimensions of behavior (intercorrelated core characteristics) can be independently identified that correspond in some way with these terms. This research utilizes a broad item pool supposedly related to learning disabilities and…

Background. A variety of research designs have been employed to explore the efficacy of the wide range of interventions for sex offenders with learning disabilities. This paper reviews these studies to consider the efficacy of such treatments. Methods. Computerized searches and less formal literature gathering led to the identification of 31…

The legitimacy of using the criterion of low reading achievement in the study of learning and memory skills with learning disabled children was assessed, based on a comparison of 35 nondisabled students, 15 low readers, and 10 learning disabled high school students. Learning disabilities were defined as encompassing perceptual and/or processing…

This study examined the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in special education children (n=581) and children (n=135) referred to a tertiary-care specialty clinic for learning disabilities and ADHD. Prevalence rates varied depending on whether teacher ratings alone, parent ratings alone, or a combination were used.…

Eleven papers comprise the special issue on learning disabilities and deal with definition, prevalence, promising research strategies, and potentially effective educational treatments oriented toward the processes of thought and the "learning to learn" strategy. (DB)

This paper reviews the literature on positive and negative aspects of diagnostic classification of children, or labeling. It reviews the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, which mandated that special education must be available to all children with disabilities. Definitional issues in diagnostic labeling of students with learning…