What should every parent or professional know about research?
There is good research, and there is bad research. Bad research is not necessarily the fault of a sloppy investigator or a hidden agenda. People not trained in experimental methods conduct research that is flawed and hence has flawed conclusions. Things that might seem obvious to an investigator today might not have been recognized 50, 25, or even 5 years ago. It is important that one never accept a single study as conclusive evidence for a course of action with regard to any particular deaf child. Parents do not want to hear that “it’s complicated,” but it is. It therefore is essential to collect evidence from alternative perspectives and balance research evidence against opinion, anecdote, and beliefs.
