Research Methods in Special Education

Research Methods in Special Education equips readers with the knowledge needed to make a difference with data. Authors Drs. Brittany L. Hott, Frederick J. Brigham, and Corey Peltier provide access to cutting edge methodologies and related skills researchers need to successfully carry out projects in applied settings. Dedicated chapters focusing on quantitative research synthesis (e.g., meta-analysis, meta-synthesis), single case design, and program evaluation methods allow readers deeply invested in the field of special education to develop a firm foundation, enabling them to ask and answer their socially significant research questions.

Written for students in special education teacher prep programs, early career faculty, school administrators, and curriculum specialists, this text includes numerous features that set it apart from other available resources:

• Dedicated chapters on ethics, establishing effective research partnerships, and evidence-based practice
• Cutting-edge program evaluation methods and reporting
• Comprehensive coverage of methods commonly used in special education
• Detailed information on securing special education funding
• Case studies, exemplars, resources, and recommendations for additional reading
• Faculty materials including practice problems and activities available at www.efacultylounge.com
• YouTube videos featuring interviews with authors

The up-to-date research practices in this text are a valuable addition for educators and researchers serving students with disabilities who have a responsibility to support in-school and post-school outcomes. Research Methods in Special Education gives educators the tools to facilitate a deeper understanding of the research process and evidence-based practice.

Contents

CONTENTS
Dedication  
Acknowledgments 
About the Authors 
Contributing Authors 
Preface 

Chapter 1 Evidence-Based Practice in Special Education:  Constructing an Operational Definition 
With contributions from Tracy E. Sinclair, PhD, BCBA, LBA

Chapter 2  Introduction to Special Education Research 
With contributions from Andrew R. Scheef, PhD;  Aleksandra Hollingshead, EdD;  and Rachel N. Freedman, MA, MS, BCBA, LABA

Chapter 3 Conducting Research in Applied Settings:  Practical Strategies for Forming Effective Partnerships 
With contributions from Reesha Adamson, PhD; Felicity Post, EdD;  and Jessica Nelson, EdD, BCBA, LBA

Chapter 4  Ethical Considerations in Special Education Research 
With contributions from R. Nicolle Carr, PhD, BCBA-D

Chapter 5 Identifying, Locating, and Evaluating Educational Research 
With contributions from Kathleen M. Randolph, EdD, BCBA-D;  Beth A. Jones, PhD; and Lynn E. Gates, MLIS

Chapter 6 Systematic Literature Reviews 
With contributions from John William McKenna, PhD

Chapter 7 Correlational Designs 
With contributions from Sharon Sullivan, PhD

Chapter 8 Experimental Designs  
With contributions from Wilhelmina van Dijk, PhD

Chapter 9 Quasi-Experimental Designs 
Jason C. Chow, PhD

Chapter 10 Single Case Research Designs 
With contributions from Art Dowdy, PhD, BCBA-D and Joshua Jessel, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA

Chapter 11 Survey Research
With contributions from Nathan A. Stevenson, PhD  and Andrew L. Wiley, PhD

Chapter 12 Qualitative Research 
With contributions from Delia E. Racines, PhD

Chapter 13 Mixed-Methods Research 
With contributions from Melissa C. Jenkins, PhD

Chapter 14 Program Evaluation 
With contributions from Maeghan N. Hennessey, PhD;  Jason P. Herron, PhD; and Reginald B. Snoddy, MS

Chapter 15 Translating Special Education Research to Practice 
With contributions from Maria B. Peterson-Ahmad, PhD;  Randa Keeley, PhD; and Kimberly Floyd, PhD

Financial Disclosures 
Index 

About the Editors

Brittany L. Hott, PhD, BCBA-D is an associate professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Hott served as an associate professor in the special education program and STRIDE lab director at Texas A&M University–Commerce. She has more than a decade of public school experience, serving in numerous capacities, including as a classroom teacher, special education coordinator, and district instructional specialist. Dr. Hott currently teaches graduate assessment and measurement, introductory research methods, and single case research design courses. Her interests include assessment and measurement, evidence-based practice, and the effective translation of special education research to practice. The majority of her work is completed in collaboration with rural and remote districts. She is an associate editor for Rural Special Education Quarterly and is a member of the Learning Disability Quarterly, Remedial and Special Education, and Teacher Education and Special Education review boards. Dr. Hott’s work has been recognized by the Texas Council for Exceptional Children, the International Council for Learning Disabilities, and the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children.   

Frederick J. Brigham, PhD is a professor of special education at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Prior to a career in higher education, Dr. Brigham served as a classroom teacher in special and general education and as a school administrator (program coordinator, director of special education). His tenure includes serving on the faculties of Valparaiso University, Bowling Green State University, The University of Virginia, and George Mason University. Dr. Brigham was editor of Behavioral Disorders for two terms and served as an associate editor for Exceptional Children. Dr. Brigham is past president of the Council for Exceptional Children–Division for Research. His interests include response to intervention, educational assessment, secondary content instruction, and research methods.

Corey Peltier, PhD is an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma. He leads the Achievement in Mathematics Lab, whose aim is to improve mathematical outcomes for all students by conducting rigorous, high-quality research and disseminating new knowledge to preservice and practicing teachers. Two secondary interests of Dr. Peltier are the use of meta-analysis to inform policy and practice and improving single case research design methodology to increase its use in determining evidence-based practices in the field of special education. Dr. Peltier teaches courses related to single case research design, assessment, and meta-analysis. Dr. Peltier serves on numerous editorial review boards including Assessment for Effective Intervention, Remedial and Special Education, and School Psychology Review.