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Research and Evaluation Methods in Special Education
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Research and Evaluation Methods in Special Education



September 2003 | 296 pages | Corwin

"In an era when government policy emphasizes 'scientifically based research' (No Child Left Behind), this book provides an important resource in understanding what this means."
Diane Browder, Snyder Distinguished Professor of Special Education
University of North Carolina, Charlotte

"This is a superb book. I learned by reading it, and I found myself rethinking some of my own thinking about research on individuals with disabilities."
James E. Ysseldyke, Professor
University of Minnesota

Learn how research can lead to improved skills and contribute to successful lives.

When face-to-face with the challenge of providing special needs children with a quality education, teachers and other educators are often met with the dilemma of inadequate research on the topic, or they are uninformed that a framework for critically analyzing and conducting special education research exists. Research-based practice is a powerful tool for success, as it can inform educators and others about educational strategies that work.

Research and Evaluation Methods in Special Education is intended to enable educators to design, conduct, and report research and evaluation in a way that transforms special education by addressing the needs of persons with disabilities as heterogeneous, cultural groups. This text provides practical guidance for:

  • Planning research and evaluation
  • Addressing the implications of legislation and program evaluation
  • Using empirically based data for decision-making in a variety of settings
  • Assessing additional research needs in areas such as standards-based reforms, personnel development, family involvement, and new and developing topics in special education
  • Using quantitative research methods, including casual comparative, correlational, single case, and survey research
  • Using qualitative methods, including identification and selection of research participants, information collection, and more

This excellent resource provides an approach to research and evaluation that helps educators better understand and address the needs of students with various disabilities, including blindness, mental retardation, deafness, learning disabilities, and more.


 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Authors
 
1. Introduction
Questions and Activities for Application and Discussion

 
 
2. Program Evaluation
Questions and Activities for Application and Discussion

 
 
3. Literature Review
Purposes of the Literature Review

 
Resources to Support the Literature Review

 
Reporting the Literature Review Method

 
Aggregating Information for a Literature Review

 
The Integrated Literature Review

 
Questions to Critically Analyze the Literature Review

 
Questions and Activities for Application and Discussion

 
 
4. Quantitative Research Methods: Questions of Impact
Philosophical Assumptions Associated With Quantitative Research

 
Questions and Activities for Application and Discussion

 
 
5. Other Quantitative Approaches: Casual Comparative, Correlational, Single Case, and Survey Research
Causal Comparative and Correlational Research

 
Questions for Critically Analyzing Causal Comparative and Correlational Research

 
Questions for Critically Anaylzing Single-Case Designs

 
Survey Research

 
Questions for Critically Analyzing Survey Research

 
Questions and Activities for Application and Discussion

 
 
6. Qualitative Methods
Definition and Characteristics of Qualitative Methods

 
Importance of Qualitative Methods in Special Education Research

 
Philosophical Assumptions and Methodological Implications in Special Education Research

 
Qualitative Methods and Data Collection Strategies

 
Critically Analyzing Qualitative Research

 
Questions for Critically Analyzing Qualitative Research

 
Questions and Activities for Application and Discussion

 
 
7. Mixed Methods and Mixed Model Designs
Definitions and Characteristics

 
Questions and Activities for Application and Discussion

 
 
8. Identification and Selection of Research Participants
Population and Sample Definition

 
Designing and Selecting Samples

 
Generalizability, External Validity, and Transferability

 
Ethics and Confidentiality

 
Questions for Critically Analyzing Sample Design and Implementation

 
Questions and Activities for Application and Discussion

 
 
9. Information Collection
The Purpose of Information Collection

 
Technical Adequacy of Data Collection Instruments

 
Selecting and Using a Measurement Device

 
Questions for Critically Analyzing Information Collection Strategies and Instruments

 
Questions and Activities for Application and Discussion

 
 
10. Data Analysis, Interpretation, and Use
Quantitative Data Anaylsis

 
Challenges in Analysis and Interpretation

 
Responses to Analysis and Interpretation Challenges

 
Qualitative Data Analysis and Interpretation

 
Reporting Research

 
Beyond Reporting: Using Research Results

 
Questions for Critically Analyzing Data Analysis and Interpretation

 
Questions and Activities for Discussion and Application

 
Appendices

 
1. Federal Definitions for Individuals with Disabilities

 
2. Data Sources from Extant Data Bases

 
3. Definitions of Statistical Terms

 
4. Funding Resources

 
5. Proposal Outline

 
 
References
 
Index

"In an era when government policy emphasizes ‘scientifically based research’ (No Child Left Behind), this book provides an important resource in understanding what this means."

Diane Browder, Snyder Distinguished Professor of Special Education
University of North Carolina, Charlotte

"This is a superb book. I learned by reading it, and I found myself rethinking some of my own thinking about research on individuals with disabilities."

James E. Ysseldyke, Professor
University of Minnesota

"The authors have set for themselves a challenging task--to enable readers to design, conduct, report, and understand research in a way that transforms (when appropriate) the delivery of special education. What is even more amazing is it appears they have developed a guide that makes this task a reality."

CHOICE, June 2004

Although the terminology used is very 'American' in parts of the text, this is never the less a useful guide for those studying at Master's Level. The 'Questions and Activities for Discussion and Application' enable students to reflect and critically examine their research methodology.

Ms Maggie Bowen
Faculty of Education & Children's Services, Chester University
October 22, 2015

A great book for special education undergraduate students.

Dr Jon Cryer
School of Sport & Leisure, Gloucestershire University
June 4, 2015

An excellent book for students embarking on research within the field. Knowledge base required beforehand but useful for the developing student.

Mr Carl Longmore
Special needs and inclusion, Wolverhampton University
September 29, 2014

Although much of the policy and research context of the book is USA-based, the content of the book is generally helpful and clearly written.
The page layouts are , at times rather 'busy'/'dense' but the content compensates for this

Dr Dominic Griffiths
School of Education and Community, Glyndwr University
October 16, 2013

Sample Materials & Chapters

Preface

Chapter 1: Introduction


For instructors

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ISBN: 9781506318516

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This title is also available on SAGE Research Methods, the ultimate digital methods library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.