ABSTRACT: An overview of the many types of studies that fall into the qualitative design genre is
provided. Strategies that qualitative researchers use to establish the authors’ studies as credible and
trustworthy are listed and defined. So that readers will recognize the important contribution qualitative
studies have made in the field of special education, a range of well-known and lesser known
examples of qualitative research are reviewed. The quality indicators that are important in conducting
and evaluating qualitative research are identified. Finally, as an example of the evidence
that can be produced using qualitative methods, the authors provide a summary of how 3 studies
have provided important information that can be used to inform policy and practice.