This paper reports a detailed analysis of the substantive content of ETMR over the first twenty five years of the journal's publication. A random selection of approximately one-quarter of the articles published were examined for professional objective and topical focus, age and ability level of target population, research or theoretical approach, author's discipline and professional position, and applicable target setting. These variables were examined across four time periods defined by major historical events impacting the field of mental retardation. The results yield conclusions regarding past and current trends in the literature as well as implications for future directions.
Altman et al. (Tue,) studied this question.