Transcript Nature of research - Durham University

Research Issues
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Analysing, Interpreting and Using Educational
Research (Research Methodology)
D
University
of Durham
Dr Robert Coe
University of Durham School of Education
Tel: (+44 / 0) 191 334 4184
Fax: (+44 / 0) 191 334 4180
E-mail: [email protected]
http://www.dur.ac.uk/r.j.coe
Two views?
(Paradigms)
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Positivism
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Anti-positivism
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Objective, real
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Subjective, constructed
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Every situation unique
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General knowledge,
universal laws,
standardisation
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Explanation / prediction
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Values given
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Power irrelevant
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© 2003 Robert Coe, University of Durham
Understanding / finding
meaning
Values problematic
Power, emancipation,
transformation central
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Hypothesis testing
Mechanistic:
deterministic, passive
subjects
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Dialectical cycle
Active participation,
construction
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Reductionist
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Holist
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Causality
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Complexity, interaction
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Measurement
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Richness, variety, depth
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Techniques, skills
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Quantitative
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© 2003 Robert Coe, University of Durham
Awareness,
empowerment
Qualitative
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Quantitative vs Qualitative?
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Incommensurability
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Compatibility
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Paradigms apart in ontology & epistemology
Methods, not paradigms: pluralism, eclecticism
Qualitative subservient to quantitative (assimilation)
Complementarity
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Multi-paradigm, mixed methodology
© 2003 Robert Coe, University of Durham
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Being critical
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Design
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Values
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What are the research questions / aims?
Are they relevant / important?
Is the methodology appropriate to them?
Could the research add to existing knowledge?
What assumptions are made?
Beliefs of researcher?
Who funded?
Definitions
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Are they clear?
Are they appropriate?
Discriminating vs inclusive
© 2003 Robert Coe, University of Durham
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Operationalisation
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Context
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How realistic / representative?
Are any samples adequate?
Who is included / excluded? Non-response?
Claims
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Are variables operationalised appropriately?
Reactivity, bias, validity, reliability
Does the evidence support the claims?
Implicit causal claims?
How far are the claims generalised?
Are alternative explanations offered / challenged?
Choices
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What is arbitrary?
How might things have been done otherwise?
Selection in reporting?
© 2003 Robert Coe, University of Durham
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Types of research
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Philosophical / discursive
Literature review
Case study
Survey
Evaluation
Experiment
© 2003 Robert Coe, University of Durham
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