The foundation of the database was built upon findings from meta-analytical studies conducted in special education over the past 20 years. A meta-analysis is a widely used and accepted research method that combines data across studies within a given area of interest. Combining the results of individual studies in this manner increases our confidence in the findings and helps us to better understand the factors that support effective interventions. You’ll find plenty of interesting and informative studies in the database and we’ll be sure to continue to add studies, including high quality research that utilizes other types of research designs including randomized control and quasi-experimental designs, on a regular basis.

Most research databases simply provide basic bibliographic information such as author, title, date, and journal name. True, some also include an abstract, but even then important information may be missing, difficult to understand, or be too brief to be of much practical use. The NICHCY Research Database extends the traditional abstract by providing a consistent format which allows users to easily obtain information about key elements of a study including:

• Background information on why the study is important for special needs children
• Specific research questions that guided the study
• Research design (what methods were used)
• Useful information about the research subjects (number of participants, age, how selected, nature of disability)
• Description of the type of intervention studied including its duration
• Research Findings
• Conclusions and implications for practice
• Additional Resources that connect users to information, tools, and examples of effective practice based on the research