Use of "special" orthonormal mean contrasts and mean contrast variances can help educational researchers interpret a wide variety of repeated measures data. Most statistical packages allow educational researchers to test for differences across repeated measures using both the univariate mixed model F test and a multivariate test. Numerous researchers have suggested using both tests. The "special" orthonormal mean contrasts can be used to provide researchers with insights into why one or the other or both of these modes of analysis provide significant or non-significant results. Results of the analyses indicate that reporting the per group "special" mean contrasts and contrast variances is useful to understanding what is causing statistical significance (or non-significance) in simple and complex repeated measures designs. Analysis of single groups found in real (and some fabricated) repeated measures data supported the recommendation to use both the univariate and the multivariate tests when considering such designs in exploratory analyses. In more complex designs, it is recommended that the patterns of mean contrasts and contrast variances be observed in each of the groups across each variable. Such patterns would be expected to remain stable when no interaction is present, but to differ when an interaction is found. Seven data tables and one graph are included. An example of a Statistical Analysis System program that performs the needed computations is provided. (TJH)