Beyond Exploratory: How Varied Qualitative Methodologies Can Inform and Advance the Field of Special Education

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: Narrative and Perspectives on Experiences in Special and Inclusive Education (Table 20)

Abstract

Qualitative research has a long tradition in special education, but it was not until 2005 that quality indicators for qualitative research in special education were published. Our purpose was to understand how often qualitative research has been published in ten top tier journals in special education in the 15 years and what methods have been used. In our systematic review, we found less than 10% of articles used qualitative methodologies, little methodological variety, and a downward trend in the number of qualitative articles published over the past 15 years. Authors discuss how the omission of diverse qualitative methods imposes artificial limits on the questions researcher can ask, as well as the broader implications for research, practice, and people with disabilities.

Authors

• Alexandra A Lauterbach, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

• Elizabeth A. Bettini, Boston University

• Hannah Morris Mathews, University of Florida

• Zach Rossetti, Boston University

• Oscar E Hughes, Boston University