The use of vignettes in research on the social and educational inclusion of people with disabilities: a review of the literature

Abstract

ABSTRACT The range of issues, research paradigms, methods, and ways of analysis employed in disability research leads to findings and discussions that can either benefit or further oppress people with disabilities. This Focused Mapping Review and Synthesis study investigates why and how vignettes are used in studies published between 2010–2022 in four leading journals publishing disability research. The findings suggest that vignettes are mainly used to elicit the views of: (a) people without disabilities on social and educational participation, (b) professionals without disabilities on the rights of people with disabilities, and (c) people with disabilities on issues related with the quality of their lives. The rationale and methodology of the studies, and the nature of the vignettes, inform a discussion on the ableist assumptions that dominate disability research, and the characteristics of vignettes which mainly devalue people with disabilities. Recommendations for the use of vignettes in disability research are provided.