Paradigms, methodology and methods

Paradigm Conceptual Framework Kinds of knowledge Question: What sort of knowledge might you gain from your enquiry?

Paradigm methodology methods One way of looking at it!

What kinds of knowledge? Consider these: Number of children achieving level 3 at KS1 How teachers can support pupils’ discussion in mathematics Does connectionist teaching support relational learning in primary mathematics? What kinds of knowledge?

Qualitative versus quantitative! Positivitst v. naturalistic

Methodology Your research approach Not the tools, but the plan Here are two: Action research Case study Others include: Grounded theory, Ethnography, Narrative enquiry

Action Research Not just to understand and interpret, but to change About studying issues and problems to change practice Links theory and practice Cohen, Manion and Morrison (2000) – Chapter 12

Case Study Enquiring into a particular case Hertfordshire University Class three at Ashwell School One child “Can be useful when a ‘how’ or ‘why’ question is being asked about a contemporary set of events, over which the investigator has little or no control” (Yin, 2003 p.9)

Research pick ‘n’ mix! You might have elements of several methodologies in your research. The important thing is to justify your choices And reference to background reading!

Methods What will you do? Questionnaire Structure interview Unstructured interview Observations Focus group Survey ..........

References Cohen, L., Manion, L. and Morrison, K (2000) Research Methods in Education, Abingdon, RoutledgeFalmer Hammersley, M. And Atkinson, P (2007) Ethnography, Abingdon, Routledge Strauss, A. And Corbin, J (1998) Basics of qualitative research, techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory, London. Sage Yin, R. (2003) Case Study research, design and methods, London, Sage