Open Science and Special Education Research

Abstract

Scientific research provides a reliable means for developing and accumulating knowledge bases to guide policy and practice. However, evidence from meta-research and large-scale replication projects suggests that the published research base likely reflects bias, which threatens the validity and credibility of research-based recommendations. Moreover, there is limited accessibility to research reports, which limits the impact and application of scientific research. In this chapter, we propose that open-science reforms, which aim to make the research process as open and transparent as possible, can be applied to help address these issues. We describe and discuss four open-science practices – preregistration and Registered Reports, open data and materials, open peer review, and open access and preprints – and propose that they may become one of the next big things in special education research.

Citation

Cook, B.G., Beahm, L.A., Myers, A.M., VanUitert, V.J. and Wilson, S.E. (2021), "Open Science and Special Education Research", Cook, B.G., Tankersley, M. and Landrum, T.J. (Ed.) The Next Big Thing in Learning and Behavioral Disabilities (Advances in Learning and Behavioral Disabilities, Vol. 31), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 61-74. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0735-004X20210000031005