What’s in a Label? On the Justification for Complete Participant Descriptions

Labels used to describe people with disabilities have social and educational implications. Replication of scientific findings as well as the aggregation of meaningful research findings (e.g., meta-analysis) require detailed, relevant, and meaningful participant descriptions. Thus, we make the case that participant labels also carry scientific implications and researchers should choose based upon clear guidelines such that the label or descriptor will convey the same information to all who use it. For example, we analyze the term “extensive support needs” (ESN) and the scientific implications of this label. We describe the various ways researchers define ESN and the limitations of these existing definitions. Specifically, we discuss external validity, replication, and international dissemination concerns. Finally, we recommend ways researchers with people with intellectual disability can report participants that remedy these concerns.