The Words beneath My Wings: Using Rigorous Qualitative Tools in Rural Special Education Research

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Words beneath My Wings: Using Rigorous Qualitative Tools in Rural Special Education Research
Language: English
Authors: Jared H. Stewart-Ginsburg (ORCID 0000-0001-5424-7189), Kimberly K. Floyd (ORCID 0000-0002-9572-1403), Melissa Sherfinski
Source: Rural Special Education Quarterly. 2025 44(3):150-161.
Availability: SAGE Publications and Hammill Institute on Disabilities. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 12
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: Special Education, Rural Education, Educational Research, Qualitative Research, Research Needs, Research Tools, Phenomenology, Grounded Theory, Ethnography
DOI: 10.1177/87568705251331031
ISSN: 8756-8705
2168-8605
Abstract: Engaging in qualitative research can reveal experiences and perceptions that help improve the lives of students with disabilities and those who support them. In this article, we address the critical need for qualitative research in rural special education. Drawing on foundational literature, we highlight the importance of rigor and reflexivity in qualitative approaches while cautioning researchers against applying generic strategies without consideration of the unique contexts of rural education. We describe six qualitative tasks, including three qualitative tools that could be used in all research designs and three qualitative research methods. We include exemplars to illustrate how researchers have applied each task in rural special education research.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1479477
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Engaging in qualitative research can reveal experiences and perceptions that help improve the lives of students with disabilities and those who support them. In this article, we address the critical need for qualitative research in rural special education. Drawing on foundational literature, we highlight the importance of rigor and reflexivity in qualitative approaches while cautioning researchers against applying generic strategies without consideration of the unique contexts of rural education. We describe six qualitative tasks, including three qualitative tools that could be used in all research designs and three qualitative research methods. We include exemplars to illustrate how researchers have applied each task in rural special education research.
ISSN:8756-8705
2168-8605
DOI:10.1177/87568705251331031