Philosophy of Science Introduction to Social Science Research Importance of Research, with an Emphasis on Educational Research

Central Questions §What is the importance of research? l What does it do? l What does it not do? §What are the main sources of research? §How are research topics selected? §How do our paradigms shape our research approaches?

The Importance of Research- What it Does §Defines membership in a field of study, profession, or discipline. §Defines a field of study/practice, profession, or discipline. §Reveals taken-for-granted assumptions. §Informs practice. §Guides policy making. §Stakes Claims

The Importance of Research- What it Doesn t Do §Preserve Neutrality. §Remain Apolitical. §Provide Findings for Free. §Merely Provide Truth or a Pathway to Truth-seeking

Sources, Channels, and Outlets for Research §University communities. §Practitioner-based settings and NGOs. §Governmental offices. §Foundation groups. §A few words about journals and conferences. §Likewise with regard to electronic media.

How are Academic Research Topics Selected? §Individual passions,interests, and quests, §Guided by the current state of the field. Therefore… §Researchers need to know their interests, §And the state of the literature.

Selected Purposes of Education §To enjoy life §To enhance citizenship §To increase productivity. §Liberal arts education §Problem Solving §Social Justice §Organizational Efficacy §Skill Acquisition §Career Training §Self-fulfillment §Intellectual Growth §Other:

Competing Paradigms in Adult Education §Reflective-Humanistic §Status Quo Orientation §Critical Pedagogical §Other