Research Modules are oriented around anchoring methods and encompass two core assignments:
Methodological Critique
The synopsis is focused on the anchoring chapter in Kahn and Fisher and should include the following sections (2 page template).:
1. What is the central argument of the research example? This discussion should conclude with a statement of the argument in the formal terms we have been using in class (A ≈ B).
2. How do the authors engage with previously published research? Identify an "They say / I say" move and discuss.
3. What kinds of methods were used to produce what kinds of evidence? This discussion should include explicit identification of method (e.g. survey, interview...) and description of its specific use in the research project. Use examples and quotations that refer explicitly to both methods used and evidence produced.
4. In what ways do the research conclusions appear valid? What validity problems can you identify? Your assessment of validity should link: 1) specific methods with 2) specific evidence produced and 3) conclusions drawn. This discussion should use examples and quotations from the chapter to evaluate the validity of the research.
5. What aspects of positivism and/or phenomenology characterize the research? This discussion should identify specific aspects of the research and how they reflect specific features of positivism and/or phenomenology.
6. What practical advice seems most useful in the chapter' introduction and reflection?
Research Exercise
Guidelines will be provided for the respective research exercises. The assignment should include the following sections (2 page template):
1. Description of research topic. The topic can be articulated in terms of a research theme, question, or hypothesis.
2. Description of research design. Describe the research activities you designed and expected to implement before conducting the research. This should include description of such things as research population, context, interview/survey questions, expected modes of recording evidence, strategies for obtaining informed consent.
3. Preliminary reflections on validity. This should be a discussion on what kinds of valid conclusions/arguments the research might yield.
4. Written record of evidence produced. The structure and content of this section will vary by assignment and may include descriptive writing, transcripts, tabulated data, charts, etc.
5. Critical reflections on the epistemology of the research method, especially with respect to positivism and phenomenology.
6. Critical reflections and questions related to the practical aspects the research. What issues and methodological questions arose during the course of your research activities?
7. What valid conclusions / arguments might emerge from your findings?
8. What directions of further research do your findings inspire? This might include ideas for extending the method used or considering how other methods might be included in follow-up research.