How Replicable is Current LD Research? A Follow-Up to the CLD Research Committee's Recommendations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which published research articles in the field of learning disabilities are replicable. To be replicable, the characteristics of a study's sample must be described in detail. In 1984, the Research Committee of the Council for Learning Disabilities recommended that researchers describe their sample by reporting subject data in seven areas. Research articles published in 10 major journals during the years 1984–1987 were evaluated to determine how many satisfied the recommendations. Only 4 of the 277 articles we reviewed included acceptable information on all seven areas. As a result, we must conclude that a replicable body of learning disabilities research does not exist for the period studied.

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