PREST in Open and Distance Learning: Getting and Analysing Qualitative Data (A4 Module)
PREST in Open and Distance Learning: Getting and Analysing Qualitative Data (A4 Module)
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Date
2004
Authors
Walker, Rob
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Corporate Author
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Publisher
Commonwealth of Learning (COL)
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Abstract
In this module I take the view that research methodology is primarily
concerned with questions of judgement in the use and application of skills in
relation to opportunities. In practice there are almost always several viable
options at any point in a research study and so the task you face involves
deciding on the best way of doing research in a particular circumstance at a
particular time.The decisions you make are partly about feasibility (and so are
essentially technical) but they also involve searching for creative solutions and
making judgements about what it is best to do next.
Improving your capacity for making judgements about research projects while
they are being carried out is not easily encapsulated in terms of objectives
(see below). Because of the limitations created by specifying objectives in
behavioural terms, this module adopts a style and approach that is processoriented
rather than outcomes-driven. Faced with decisions, questions,
opportunities or difficulties as you conduct your study, you will need to have a
set of possible responses to hand, and some sense of their likely
consequences. As you gain experience and as you discuss your research
activities with others, the range of options you will be able to draw on will
extend.This module will help you to get started in increasing your repertoire
of research responses to problems.
Description
Subject
Research
Country
Region
Series
PREST