Qualitative Research Methods in Special Education: Ethnography, Microethnography, and Ethology

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Abstract
Although recent publications and conference presentations provide evidence that special educators are interested in new ways of doing research, alternatives to traditional quantitative research practices are not yet well understood Therefore, ethnography, microethography, and ethology—three qualitative methodologies especially relevant to the field's current concern with integrated community-based service delivery—are contrasted according to their disciplinary origins, methods for data collection and analysis, and use of audiovisual technology. Studies that exemplify the special education applications of these methodologies are summarized. Recommendations are made for future use of qualitative methods in special education.