Qualitative Studies in Special Education

TLDR

The authors aim to highlight the significant contributions of qualitative studies in special education by reviewing a range of well‑known and lesser‑known examples. They outline qualitative study types, credibility strategies, illustrative examples, and key quality indicators used to conduct and evaluate such research. They summarize three studies that demonstrate how qualitative methods produce evidence useful for informing policy and practice.

Abstract

An overview of the many types of studies that fall into the qualitative design genre is provided. Strategies that qualitative researchers use to establish the authors' studies as credible and trustworthy are listed and defined. So that readers will recognize the important contribution qualitative studies have made in the field of special education, a range of well-known and lesser known examples of qualitative research are reviewed. The quality indicators that are important in conducting and evaluating qualitative research are identified. Finally, as an example of the evidence that can be produced using qualitative methods, the authors provide a summary of how 3 studies have provided important information that can be used to inform policy and practice.