Assignment:
For this Discussion you will examine the use of each quantitative approach to research for a special education problem.
To prepare:
· Reflect on this module's media and the reading from the Rumrill, et. al. (2011) course text. Consider the various quantitative research designs and the implications of each on special education research.
· Think about a special education problem that you would address, if it were ethical, using an experimental design. Consider how you might also use a quasi-experimental or correlational design to study the problem.
An explanation of the special education problem you would choose to study using an experimental design if it were ethical and why. Then, explain how you would study the same problem using a quasi-experimental or correlational research approach. Finally, provide a rationale for the method you believe to be the best choice.
Support your response with specific reference to at least two peer-reviewed outside resources as well as the Learning Resources and/or personal experience.
Learning Resources
Note: To access this module's required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.
Required Readings
Florian, L. (Ed.). (2014). The SAGE handbook of special education (2nd ed.). London, England: Sage.
- Chapter, "The Applied Science of Special Education: Quantitative Approaches, the Questions They Address, and How They Inform Practice"(pp. 369-388)
Focus on quantitative designs and why they are key for research in the field of SPED
Rumrill, P. D., Cook, B. G., & Wiley, A. L. (2011). Research in special education: Designs, methods, and applications. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.
- Chapter, "Quantitative Research Designs" (pp.136-152)
Focus on the spectrum of relationship and descriptive studies. Note correlational designs and causal comparative studies. Develop an understanding of surveys, case studies, program evaluation, archival research, longitudinal studies, empirical literature reviews, and meta-analysis.
Aditional Resources
Note: The resources were selected for the quality of the information and examples that they contain and not the date of publication.
Experimental/Quasi-Experimental
Iftar, E. T., Kurt, O., & Cetin, O. (2011). A comparison of constant time delay instruction with high and low treatment integrity. Educational Sciences: Theory & Practice, 11(1), 375-381.
Focus on the description of the time delay procedure. Compare procedures for comparing treatments. Review the adapted alternating treatment design.
Thurston, L. P., & Navarette, L. A. (2011). Rural, poverty-level mothers: A comparative study of those with and without children who have special needs. Rural Special Education Quarterly, 30(1), 39-46.
Focus on the differences in demographics, school experience, social support, and school involvement. Review differences by marital status. Reflect on differences in retention, special needs reports, homework, and writing notes to teachers.
Wehmeyer, M. L., Shogren, K. A., Palmer, S. B., Williams-Diehm, K. L., Little, T. D., & Boulton, A. (2012). The impact of the self-determined learning model of instruction on self-determination. Exceptional Children, 78(2), 135-153.
Focus on the approach to this group-randomized, modified equivalent control group design. Note the use of multiple measures. Pay specific attention to the interpretation of findings.
Wei, X., Blackorby, J., & Schiller, E. (2011). Growth in reading achievement of students with disabilities, ages 7 to 17. Exceptional Children, 78(1), 89-106.
Focus on reading growth trajectories. Consider the extent to which reading achievement increased with age. Recognize the characteristics of a longitudinal study.
Correlation
Mautone, J. A., DuPaul, G. J., Jitendra, A. K., Tresco, K. E., Junod, R. V., & Volpe, R. J. (2009). The relationship between treatment integrity and acceptability of reading interventions for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Psychology in the Schools, 46(10), 919-931.
Focus on the relationship between treatment integrity and acceptability. Note the two consultation models. Pay particular attention to the relationship between reading interventions and ADHD.
Williamson, R. L., Robertson, J. S., & Casey, L. B. (2010). Using a dynamic systems approach to investigating postsecondary education and employment outcomes for transitioning students with disabilities. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 33(2), 101-111.
Focus on the interacting variables. Study the correlating characteristics. Read about the links to employment and postsecondary education.