This text is designed to enable educators to design, conduct, and report research and evaluation in a way that transforms special education by addressing the needs of persons with disabilities as heterogeneous, cultural groups. The book explores ways to adapt those research methods to the special education context by providing a framework for developing research questions and methods, as well as critically analyzing and conducting research. In chapters 1 through 3, research in special education is used to explore the use of the literature review; to define the theoretical framework; and to identify research questions, variables, and the most appropriate approach to the research. Specific implications of quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, or evaluation-based designs are critically evaluated in special education research in chapters 4 through 7. Issues such as the identification of subjects, the definition of populations, the heterogeneity of subjects, appropriate sampling techniques, and ethics are addressed in chapter 8, and reliability, validity, and accommodations for populations with disabilities are examined for data collection in chapter 9. Data analysis and interpretation issues are discussed in terms of appropriate use of analytic methods in chapter 10. Appendices include disability definitions and resources. (Contains approximately 300 references.) (CR)