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Research
It is often said (wrongly) that qualitative research is any research that does not include
numbers! This is not a good definition as it is the approach to the data gathering that
is different in the two styles of research rather than the outputs. Qualitative research
aims to explore, discover, understand or describe phenomena that have already been
identified but are not well understood. The tools that are used for qualitative research
include observations and interviews and the methodological tool is interpretation. In
this sort of research, theories are often ‘grounded’ in data and ethnographic and
narrative methods are used to assist in the interpretation and understanding of social
interactions and phenomena.
1.1.3 Research Methods
The tools that are used in research have generally been developed to fit into one of the
two styles of research outlined in the previous section. The following figure (adapted
from (Cresswell, 2005)) (Figure 1) shows the relationships between research styles
and methods.
In this framework, the researcher is able to complement research findings from theory
and observations whilst developing a prototype application.
To protect the privacy of the children, no information should be asked for that would
identify their religion, sexuality, parental income bracket, or ethnicity. The names of
children should be removed from the data. If children are photographed or videoed
permission must be sought and obtained from children and their parents and the
intended use of the data needs to be made specific.
1.3.4 Dissemination
Consider how you can gain support for your work by sharing some of your findings
with the children and the teachers.
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