NCCRESt

part of the Education Reform Networks

Addressing Diversity in Special Education Research. ERIC/OSEP Digest

Link: http://ericec.org.

This digest reviews scientific and methodological problems in special education research related to race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. The first section of the digest discusses the various definitions of race, ethnicity, culture, and socioeconomic status. The problems with current race classification and the difficulties in determining the true economic status of families are highlighted. The second section of the digest examines epistemological issues that special education researchers should consider. Presumptions related to the use of racial categorization and inferences made to explain differences in group data are discussed. The paper emphasizes the critical need to use value-neutral methods of data collection and interpretation to ensure that research findings promote an accurate, not stereotypical, view of racial and ethnic groups. The use of cultural standards of data generalizations typically based upon universal statements reflecting Eurocentric normative and scientific principles in race and ethnicity research is explored. The last portion of the digest provides guidelines for developing unbiased research procedures in sampling, instrumentation, and measurement. Special education researchers are urged to take a proactive approach to ensuring unbiased, valid, and reliable research results by addressing issues of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic level in their research design, methodology, and reporting practices. (Contains 10 references.) (CR)

• Author/Creator: Utley, Cheryl A., Obiakor, Festus E. Corp Author Eric Clearinghouse on Disabilities, Gifted Education, Arlington V. A. Eric Osep Special Project
• Author's address: ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education, ERIC/OSEP Special Project, 1110 North Glebe Rd., Arlington, VA 22201-5704. Tel: 800-328-0272 (Toll Free); Tel: 703-620-3660; e-mail: [email protected]
• Date Published: 00-00
• Notes: Connect to the catalog at the library of the University of Colorado at Boulder. English Report No: EDO-EC-97-9 Funding: Special Education Programs (ED/OSERS), Washington, DC. RR93002005/ Report: EDO-EC-97-9 Document (RIE) 071 Information Analyses--ERIC IAPs; 073 Eric Digest in Full Text EDRS: EDRS Price MF01/PC01 Plus Postage.
• Resource Availability: 200 OK
• Year: 1997

This resource is cataloged under:

• Subject: Data Collection
• Subject: Disabilities
• Subject: Diversity (Student)
• Subject: Educational Researchers
• Subject: Ethnic Bias
• Subject: Ethnic Groups
• Subject: Exceptional Child Research
• Subject: Racial Differences
• Subject: Research Methodology
• Subject: Research Problems
• Subject: Socioeconomic Influences
• Subject: Socioeconomic Status
• Subject: Special education

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