University of Durham D Dr Robert Coe University of Durham School of Education Tel: (+44 / 0) Fax: (+44 / 0) Research Issues Doctor of Education (EdD) Analysing, Interpreting and Using Educational Research (Research Methodology)

© 2003 Robert Coe, University of Durham 2 Two views? (Paradigms) Positivism Anti-positivism Objective, real Subjective, constructed Explanation / prediction Understanding / finding meaning General knowledge, universal laws, standardisation Every situation unique Values given Values problematic Power irrelevant Power, emancipation, transformation central

© 2003 Robert Coe, University of Durham 3 Mechanistic: deterministic, passive subjects Active participation, construction Causality Complexity, interaction Reductionist Holist Quantitative Qualitative Measurement Richness, variety, depth Hypothesis testing Dialectical cycle Techniques, skills Awareness, empowerment

© 2003 Robert Coe, University of Durham 4 Quantitative vs Qualitative? Incommensurability Paradigms apart in ontology & epistemology Compatibility Methods, not paradigms: pluralism, eclecticism Qualitative subservient to quantitative (assimilation) Complementarity Multi-paradigm, mixed methodology

© 2003 Robert Coe, University of Durham 5 Being critical Design What are the research questions / aims? Are they relevant / important? Is the methodology appropriate to them? Could the research add to existing knowledge? Values What assumptions are made? Beliefs of researcher? Who funded? Definitions Are they clear? Are they appropriate? Discriminating vs inclusive

© 2003 Robert Coe, University of Durham 6 Operationalisation Are variables operationalised appropriately? Reactivity, bias, validity, reliability Context How realistic / representative? Are any samples adequate? Who is included / excluded? Non-response? Claims Does the evidence support the claims? Implicit causal claims? How far are the claims generalised? Are alternative explanations offered / challenged? Choices What is arbitrary? How might things have been done otherwise? Selection in reporting?

© 2003 Robert Coe, University of Durham 7 Types of research Philosophical / discursive Literature review Case study Survey Evaluation Experiment