Final answer:
When writing a research paper on special education, accessing a specialized database or consulting a reference librarian can be incredibly valuable. General-interest databases and reference works provide a good starting point, and seeking help from your college's writing center can further aid in understanding the subject matter.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you are part of a team that is writing a research paper on developments in special education and are unfamiliar with terms you are encountering during your research, then it is advisable for you to access a specialized database or seek assistance from a reference librarian. These resources are invaluable for finding scholarly articles, understanding complex terminology, and obtaining a broader overview of your research area.
Education research can be enhanced by utilizing general-interest databases for a broad scope and then moving on to subject-specific databases as your topic becomes more focused. Visiting your college's writing center is also highly recommended, as the peer tutoring provided there can help to clarify and analyze your research findings. Additionally, Scholar can function as a powerful tool in your research endeavor, offering a wide array of relevant academic articles which can guide you to further resources.
Make sure to check general reference works such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, and atlases to gain basic understanding, and do not hesitate to engage with librarians who are experienced in navigating through extensive information repositories. Remember that going to the library early and often can help you discover resources you might have missed during initial research efforts.