This article broadly characterizes the complex forces that shape the special education research agenda in the United States. The influences caused by the momentum of normal science, changes in social values, public policy, imports from other disciplines, the power of advocacy groups, and changing methodologies are discussed. (Contains references.)…

This article begins with an overview of the context of special education research in Norway and a summary of major trends in the 1990s, including the focus on the disabilities of the individual and ways of meeting special needs, rather than examination of the learning environment. (Contains references.) (CR)

This article describes the history of special education in Turkey and the governmental context of research, educational research, and special education. Three issues that currently hamper special education research are identified: information dissemination, methodological difficulties, and a lack of collaboration among the important…

This article describes various research domains employed by Australian special education researchers and outlines significant examples of research studies. Three research priorities are identified that are gaining momentum, international collaborative projects, research with preservice teachers, and greater emphasis on contextual and sociological…

This article describes the governmental and cultural contexts for educational research in Botswana and the important role research plays in the development of educational policies. The effects of limited resources are illustrated in several examples regarding special education and other services for children and adults with disabilities. (Contains…

This article describes problems affecting special education services in developing counties where economic challenges have harsh consequences on health, education, and welfare and force difficult ethical choices. Special education efforts in Ecuador are used as examples to describe inherent problems and give inspiration toward developing potential…

This commentary focuses on four common issues of concern that affect special education research in different countries: how philosophies, laws, and ethics influence special education research, how policymaking and research affect each other, how research topics are selected, and who conducts special education research with what methodologies.…

This commentary reflects on findings from previous articles that reviewed trends in special education research in the United States, Norway, Botswana, Ecuador, Australia, and Turkey. It discusses the function, funding, and subject matter of special education research, on research on the education of special education teachers, and on research…