1. Paradigms, methodology and methods

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

3. Paradigm
methodology
methods
One way of looking at it!

4. 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?

5. Qualitative versus quantitative!
Positivitst v. naturalistic

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

7. 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

8. 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)

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!

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

11. 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