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Shadowing as a qualitative research method for intellectual disability research: Opportunities and challenges
Simon van der Weele1, Femmianne Bredewold1
1Department of Citizenship and Humanisation of the Public Sector, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, Netherlands.
Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability
|January 17, 2025
Summary
Shadowing offers a flexible qualitative method for intellectual disability research, overcoming common ethical and methodological challenges. This approach provides unique insights into daily life and promotes inclusive studies.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Disability Studies
- Qualitative Research Methods
Background:
- Qualitative research on intellectual disability is increasing.
- Researchers face significant methodological and ethical challenges in this field.
- Shadowing is proposed as an alternative method to address these concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the utility of shadowing as a research method for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- To identify the advantages and challenges associated with implementing shadowing in this population.
Main Methods:
- The study draws on experiences from two separate shadowing studies.
- Participants included a total of 45 individuals with intellectual disabilities (28 in one study, 17 in another).
Main Results:
- Shadowing offers flexibility and unique insights into daily life experiences.
- It can empower individuals with intellectual disabilities by giving them a "voice" and facilitate inclusive research.
- Identified challenges include obtaining ethical approval, ensuring privacy, and managing role confusion.
Conclusions:
- Shadowing is a promising method for intellectual disability research, yielding data often inaccessible through other means.
- This method is particularly valuable for investigating everyday life and interpersonal relationships.
- It supports more inclusive and insightful research practices.
Keywords:
Shadowinginclusive researchintellectual disabilitymethodologyqualitative researchresearch ethicsMore Related Videos
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