Methodologies
Prof. Kerry E. Howell
Methodology: Research Strategy
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Why was the data collected
Rationale for method of data collection
Reason for what data was collected.
From where was the data collected
When the data was collected
How the data was collected
Data analysis
Methodologies
• Grounded Theory
• Hermeneutics
• Ethnography
• Action Research
Grounded Theory
• The purpose of grounded theory is to
build substantive theory that faithfully
illuminates/explains the area under
investigation.
• Grounded theory builds theory through
data collection and analysis in relation to
pre-existing theory and practice.
• Glaserian and Struassian
Grounded Theory
• Emerging and Forcing (Inductive
Deductive)
• Categorisation
• Coding Procedures
• Open, Selective, Axial
• Substantive Theory
• Formal Theory
Hermeneutics
• Initially dealt with ancient scriptures but essentially
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involves paying close attention to historical and social
contexts that surround actions when interpreting a text.
It is assumed that there is a relationship between
conscious description and social structures or dynamics.
Meaning of a text is continually interpreted with
continual reference to its context.
Usually used to interpret historical texts however can be
used in law, literature or any study that needs to
uncover historical meaning.
Hermeneutics
• Words and numbers convey meaning
• These are chosen according to a structured
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rationale
There is an interaction between the structured
rationale and intended meaning
Intended meaning is a projection of the world
Meaning is uncovered through mediated selfunderstanding
Ethnography
• Based on anthropology and an approach by which the
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researcher uses socially acquired and shared knowledge
to understand human activity.
Main method is participatory observation where the
researcher becomes a working member of the group and
in this context resembles action research.
Normally takes place over a long period and in clearly
defined location.
Attempts to understand and interpret the social world
the way members of that particular world do.
Ethnography
• Investigation of Social Phenomenon
• Inductive
• Coding, Categorisation, Typologies,
Themes
• Small Numbers and Detailed (Usually)
• Interpretations of Meaning and Action
Action Research
• Experiments in the Field?
• Expression of Theory
• Theory Expressed in Action?
• Complicated Interaction Between the
Two?
Action Research and Participative
Inquiry
• Research with People Rather than about them
• Participants involved
• Overcome Power Balance and Create Democratic
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Research
Co-operative Inquiry: All involved CoResearchers
Participatory Action Research: Challenges Power
Relationships
Conclusions
• Numerous Methodologies
• Based on Paradigm of Inquiry ie Ontology
and Epistemology
• Informs Methods of Data Collection