The proposal put forward in this presentation centers on the use of the microcomputer for the generation of educational research, both as a powerful tool for information collection and as a means for analyzing the generated data. The microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) principles described in this paper may be used in rural classroom settings as well as in a broader range of research, e.g., city- or state-wide studies. This presentation examines the MBL programming component and its application to a specific research question in special education: the identification of a processing disorder subtype of the learning disabled (LD) student population. The suggestions contained herein are intended for potential researchers who are familiar with microcomputers. Among the advantages of subtype studies are that: (1) they are sensitive to the possibility that typical learners demonstrate cognitive processing strategies similar to those identified in non-typical learners; (2) they are less prone to errors arising from conclusions based on coincidental occurrences; and (3) they are less prone to statistical averaging difficulties encountered when comparing LD students with non-LD students. The increased availability of students resulting from moving the studies to the schools is an added advantage. Findings based on more broad-based locally-defined subgroups of LD students have promise for enhancing the understanding of the LD handicap and, as such, may lead to more effective individual educational plans. State offices of public instruction would particularly benefit from such research in justifying current LD programs to budget conscious legislatures. An Applesoft BASIC program designed to evaluate the dependent variables of performance and reaction time is included as an illustrative analysis of an MBL program. Eight references are listed. (DJR)