The author argues for an epidemiology data base (which looks at cognitive, aptitude, family condition, school condition, and personal characteristic variables) as a strategy for research with learning disabled (LD) adolescents and young adults. An operational definition, advantages, and problems of this type of research strategy are outlined. A synopsis of the initial findings of the Institute for Research in Learning Disabilities is presented. Among the findings were that the difficulties which LD adolescents encounter with self awareness appear to be more debilitating than their social relationships. (Author/SB)