dentify and explain the ontological and epistemological assumptions which underpin the researchers choice of methodology
Assessment
1 x 2000 word assignment.
Select one paper from the list below.
Select either paper A, B or C.
A. Macleod, G., Dallas-Childs, R., Brough, C. and Toye, M. (2021), ‘She just got me: supporting care experienced young people negotiating relationships and identities at school.J Res Spec Educ Needs. https://doi-org.ezproxy.is.ed.ac.uk/10.1111/1471-3802.12543
B. Catherine E. Stanford, Richard P. Hastings, Deborah M. Riby, Heather J. Archer, Sarah E. Page & Katie Cebula (2020) Psychological distress and positive gain in mothers of children with autism, with or without other children with neurodevelopmental disorders, International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2020.1812347
C. Mairin Hennebry, Yuen Yi Lo & Ernesto Macaro (2012) Differing perspectives of non-native speaker students linguistic experiences on higher degree courses, Oxford Review of Education, 38:2, 209-230, DOI: 10.1080/03054985.2011.651312
With reference to the paper you have selected:
identify and explain the ontological and epistemological assumptions which underpin the researchers choice of methodology*
critique the effectiveness of the relationship between the philosophical positioning, the methodology chosen and the methods used for collecting and analysing data;
identify and discuss the ethical challenges and issues raised in the paper and the extent to which these are considered satisfactorily.
Ontological and epistemological assumptions
This asks you to comment explicitly on ontological and epistemological assumptions. You may also want to discuss these (and the associated methodology) in terms of a particular paradigm.
methodology
This term refers to the approach taken to answering the research questions. This asks you to comment on the approach to research in terms of the kind of data involved; whether descriptive, explanatory or something else; the research design (e.g. case study, ethnography, grounded theory, phenomenological, basic interpretivist, action research, experiment, survey, mixed methods); approach to reasoning; the research participants and how they were selected; approach to analysis.
methods
This term refers to the specific data collection methods used so that the research questions can be answered.
Please ensure that you answer all 3 bullet points.
A rough guide would be to write approximately 500 words on point 1, 1000 words on point 2 and 500 words on point 3.
Students should submit an assignment that builds on their previous assignments and demonstrates progress based on feedback received (in particular, from the Sources of Knowledge assignment).
Assignments should be written in English and they should be proofread carefully, checking for errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Include page numbers.
Demonstrate an analytical perspective, including both positive aspects and areas of difficulty.
Support your statements with references, examples and clear logical thought.
Cite original sources only in exceptional circumstances is it acceptable to reference an author citing another author.
Prior to submitting your assignment it may be helpful to ask yourself the following questions.
Is my writing clear and easy to follow?
Does my paper consider any ethical issues?
Is my paper written in non-sexist and non-racist language?
Does my paper sufficiently address the questions / issues in the assessment task?
Are my conclusions and interpretations credible?
Is my message clear and precise?
Are my references timely and relevant?
Have I included the most important references?
The word count does not include the reference list or self-assessment document. The assignment should be 2000 words (+ or 10%). Longer assignments will be penalised on the basis of academic staff judgement.
it is better to draw on these sources in your essay than texts from other disciplines which you find online.
*Armour, K.M. and Macdonald, D. (Eds) (2012) Research Methods in Physical Education and Youth Sport. Routledge: London. A useful general text especially insightful for students studying Physical Education and Sport.
*Arthur, J., Waring, M, and Coe, R. (2012) Research Methods & Methodologies in Education. London: Sage.
*Blaikie, N. and Priest, J. (2019) 3rd Edition, Designing Social Research: The logic of anticipation, Newark: Polity Press.
*Bridges, D. (2017) Philosophy in Educational Research: Epistemology, Ethics, Politics and Quality, Cham: Springer International Publishing.
*Charmaz, K. (2013) Constructing grounded theory. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
A useful text for highlighting how to connect practice with theory following data collection.
*Creswell, J.W. (2014) Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. London: Sage.
*Diamond, I., Foster, L., and Jefferies, J. (2015) Beginning statistics: An introduction for social scientists. London: Sage.
Gray, D. (2014) Doing research in the real world. London: Sage. Wide ranging general guide. *An earlier edition from 2004 is available as an E-Book on the resource list
*Greener, I. (2011) Designing Social Research. London: Sage. See Chapter Two in particular on reviewing research quality.
Maxwell, J.A. (2013) Qualitative Research Design. London: Sage. Excellent text for explaining how to set research goals/questions and design conceptual framework.
*Merriam, S.B. & Tisdell, E. (2016) Qualitative Research: A guide to design and implementation. San Francisco: Joey-Bass. Wide ranging general guide.
*Thomas, G. (2007) Strangers in Paradigms, Maidenhead: OUP
*Thomas, G. (2017) 3rd Edition, How to do your Research Project: A Guide for Students, Los Angeles: SAGE
Pring, R. (2015) The Philosophy of Education Research. London: Bloomsbury. An excellent text for practitioners and those interested in the links between theory and practice.
*Punch, K. & Oancea, A. (2014) Introduction to Research Methods in Education. London: Sage. Useful chapters on most areas covered in the course.
You may find the SAGE Research Methods database at: https://methods.sagepub.com/ useful for accessing a range of resources on: conceptions of research, related methodological considerations,
