Signed Interview Methods for Research with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth

• In Event: Intersectionalities

Abstract

Including students’ own perspectives and insights in K12 education research is crucial to “unforgetting histories” and “imagining futures.” Many qualitative researchers do so through spoken interviews with students. However, conducting rigorous and ethical interviews and focus groups in signed languages with Deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) youth requires unique methodological considerations. This systematic review explores researchers’ methods for interviewing D/HH youth using signed languages. Our systematic review explores the strengths and weaknesses of researchers’ methodologies for conducting interviews with youth in signed languages across 44 peer-reviewed studies. Considering this synthesis, we offer guidance regarding methodologies that are responsive to Deaf culture and signed language, and ideas for future research which meaningfully includes D/HH youths’ perspectives.

Authors

• Kristabel Stark, University of Vermont

• John S. Pirone, University of Vermont

• Brittney Staffieri, University of Vermont