ABSTRACT

The issue of methodology is a fundamental concern for all who engage in educational research. Presenting a series of methodological dialogues between eminent education researchers including Michael Apple, Gert Biesta, Penny Enslin, John Hattie, Nel Noddings, Michael Peters, Richard Pring and Paul Smeyers, this book explores the ways in which they have chosen and developed research methods to style their investigations and frame their arguments.

These dialogues address the specialized and technical aspects of conducting educational research, conceptualize the relationship between methodology and theory, and provide in-depth discussion of concerns including falsifiability, openness, interpretation and researcher judgement. Foregrounding the researchers’ first-hand experience and knowledge, this book will provide future and current researchers with a deeper comprehension of the place of theory in education research.

An illuminating resource for undergraduate and postgraduate researchers alike, Theory and Philosophy in Education Research confronts the intricate complexities of conducting education research in a highly engaging and accessible way.

chapter |13 pages

Theory as research

Philosophical work in education

chapter |17 pages

Michael Apple on praxis, rhetoric and educational research

In dialogue with Jennifer Bleazby

chapter |17 pages

Penny Enslin on liberal feminism, justice and education

In dialogue with Jennifer Bleazby

chapter |13 pages

Nel Noddings on care theory and caring practice

In dialogue with John Quay

chapter |15 pages

Richard Pring on making research educational research

In dialogue with R. Scott Webster

chapter |14 pages

Paul Smeyers and a perspective on educational research

In dialogue with Maurizio Toscano

chapter |10 pages

Becoming a good education researcher