ABSTRACT
An increasing number of researchers across disciplines have indicated the need for using mixed methods rather than a singular methodology. Juvenile Justice (JJ) special education researchers also should recognize this need because the use of mixed methods has the potential to better answer complex questions. Addressing such complex questions is particularly relevant for JJ special education research, given the multitude of contextual factors that influence research with incarcerated youth. The purpose of this chapter is, therefore, to explore the integration of quantitative and qualitative methods to improve research conducted to help serve incarcerated youth with disabilities in JJ settings. A review of JJ studies was conducted to evaluate study limitations and to recommend integration options to address these limitations. A key finding from our review is that not one of the studies identified via our search involved use of a mixed methods research approach. Therefore, we identified ways in which integrated research designs might have improved on what we think were already high-quality investigations. It is hoped that this effort will help future JJ researchers to see the merits of integrated research and to consider adopting related approaches to research.
