ABSTRACT
Qualitative research has a long tradition in special education, dating back more than 200 years, when scholars first used qualitative methods to document the existence and characteristics of disabilities. To understand how widely qualitative research is used in special education, we conducted a systematic review of qualitative research published in the top ten Council for Exception Children (CEC) journals from 2006 to 2020, finding published special education scholars are seldom taking advantage of the rich, varied traditions of qualitative methodologies. Thus, in this chapter we aim to provide an introduction to seven major qualitative methodologies, and exemplar studies, to support scholars in understanding and selecting among the wide range of available qualitative methodologies. We conclude with key considerations for scholars as they undertake a qualitative study.
