Research questions, sampling and levels of measurement can
be applied to special education research to identify effective instructional
methods and program practices. This can be done by finding a problem or instructional
method to address then developing a broad question to guide the research
Rumrill, Cook, and Wiley, 2011). Sampling is used to represent the population
to which the findings will be generalized. In special education this enables
the researcher to work with a manageable amount of subjects. Levels of
measurement are used to identify where the dependent variables lie. For
example, the levels of achievement in the intervention and the amount of time
administered are documented and used to determine the effects and outcomes.
In the classroom setting, teachers can use this information to
determine the benefits of an intervention that is being used. This can be done by
documenting the levels of achievement acquired by students who are in the
intervention group with those in a group not using it. This is called the control group. This information can then
be used to make changes in the intervention program as needed.
