Tracing deaf studies and deaf education: insights from JDSDE's three decades

Journal analyses that capture trends, debates, and dilemmas offer valuable insight into the evolution of a field. Since 1996, the Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education (JDSDE) has been a central journal in the field, demonstrating notable scholarly impact. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of Deaf Education and Deaf Studies by systematically examining 961 full articles published in JDSDE over 30 years from a critical perspective. Articles were analyzed with respect to research topics, methods, and collaboration patterns. Eighteen topics were identified within educational, developmental, linguistic, and cultural categories. Literacy, language development, cognitive and social-emotional development, early intervention, and Deaf identity/culture accounted for 67.7% of the topics. Quantitative research dominated (78.8%). Interdisciplinary collaboration was satisfactory (60%). Findings indicate opportunities for greater representation of cultural topics, inclusion, early intervention, Deaf people with disabilities, and qualitative, single-case, action, mixed-methods research, and international collaboration. Future systematic analysis of all scholarly journals is anticipated to offer a more comprehensive and integrated view of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education.