INTRODUCTION

There are many educational research approaches or paradigms. A research paradigm is generally considered to consist of an underlying epistemology and theoretical perspective supported by a research methodology and research methods (Crotty, 1998) or consideration of the basic beliefs of a related ontology, epistemology and methodology (Guba & Lincoln, 2005).

As outlined in the table below, Herron and Reason (1997) extended Guba & Lincoln's (1994) competing paradigms of research with the inclusion of a Participatory paradigm [subsequently endorsed by (Guba & Lincoln (2005)]. O'Brien 1998 uses the term Paradigm of Praxis to position Action Research relative to the Positivist and Interpretivist paradigms. 02/16/07

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The term ‘methodology’ has many meanings. In the broadest context the terms quantitative or qualitative methodologies could be cited. Generally, the term research methodology refers to the techniques, measures and procedures used to conduct research. Guba and Lincoln (2005) use terms such as experimental/manipulative; dialogic/dialetical; heremeutical and poilictical participation when describing methodologies associated with the various research paradigms. Crotty (1998) uses the term methodology to describe the strategy or plan of action of the research and cites examples such as experimental research, survey research, feminist standpoint research and action research.

dialogic = being informed by prior research and informing prior reseacrh

dialetical = contradictory or opposing views explored

hermemeutical = concerned with interpretation

Participatory Action Research (PAR)

According to O'Brien (1998) some of the common research methods used in PAR include qualitative methods common other forms of interpretivist approaches. Such method include:

• research journal


• document collection and analysis


• participant observation recordings


• questionnaire surveys


• structured and unstructured interviews, and


• case studies.

In addition O'Brien (1998) cites a method unique to PAR - the Search Conference.

Eric Trist sums up the process quite nicely -

"Searching...is carried out in groups which are composed of the relevant stakeholders. The group meets under social island conditions for 2-3 days, sometimes as long as five. The opening sessions are concerned with elucidating the factors operating in the wider contextual environment - those producing the meta-problems and likely to affect the future. The content is contributed entirely by the members. The staff are facilitators only. Items are listed in the first instance without criticism in the plenary session and displayed on flip charts which surround the room. The material is discussed in greater depth in small groups and the composite picture checked out in plenary. The group next examines its own organizational setting or settings against this wider background and then proceeds to construct a picture of a desirable future. It is surprising how much agreement there often is. Only when all this has been done is consideration given to action steps..."[ix]

A menu of methods

• Find and critically review secondary data.


• Observe directly


• Seek those who are experts about specific issues.


• Key probes


• Case studies and stories:


• Groups (casual or random encounter; focus; representative or structured for diversity; community, neighbourhood or a specific social group; or formal).


• Group interviews


• Do-it-yourself: Roles of expertise are reversed, with local people as experts, and outsiders as clumsy novices. Local people supervise and teach skills allowing others to leam about their realities, needs and priorities.


• Mapping and modelling


• Local analysis of secondary sources


• Transect walks


• Timelines and trend and change analysis


• Seasonal calendars


• Institutional or Venn diagraming.


• Wellbeing grouping


• Matrix scoring and ranking:


• Team contracts and interactions


• Contrast comparisons

Kaye Seymour-Rolls & Ian Hughes, 1995, 2000 Participatory Action Research: Getting the Job Done

Can it be argued that the research methods for PAR are:

• plan


• act


• reflect

Tamara A. Baker and Caroline C. Wang 2006 Photovoice: Use of a Participatory Action Research Method to Explore the Chronic Pain Experience in Older Adults Qualitative Health Research, Vol. 16, No. 10, 1405-1413 SAGE Publications

Photovoice is a participatory action research method in which individuals photograph their everyday health and work realities. The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of photovoice as a unique and innovative method

ACTION RESEARCH RESOURCES LIST

Participant Selection and Informed Consent

Action Research Resources

Assignment 1

Assignment 1: Approaches to Education ResearchDue Date:
25 May 2007

Weight:
20%

Length:
2500 words

Read your text (Stringer 2004), browse through the topic notes and the readings, search the net and dive into the library! Look for articles and papers about the process of DOING research, and particularly the cycle of planning, action, and reflection leading to continuous improvement.

Choose three different research methodologies.

• one that you would like to know more about,
• one that you would not normally consider, and
• one that you think would be appropriate to your research.

Briefly summarise the key aspects of each methodology.

Identify strengths and weaknesses, and situations where each approach can provide insights that a different method might not address.

Synthesise your reading and summaries into an essay that evaluates different approaches to education research.

NOTE: In marking this essay, I am not, at this stage, looking for topic specific critiques but a general view of some of the ways in which education research is conducted. I will be looking at the range of methods that you have chosen, the extent to which you appreciate the constraints as well as the strengths of each method, and the examples that you use to illustrate the points you wish to make.
T

he key is SYNTHESIS – not a list of strengths and weaknesses, followed by some examples. This is the kind of writing that you will need to apply to your literature review.