EDUC9765 Researching Texts and Documents

This topic establishes a distinction between quantitative and qualitative research. On this foundation the topic focuses on texts within the field of Education. Students are exposed to research design on policy and curriculum research, the use of documents in research, archival research and historiography, and the use of visual texts such as photographs and diagrams. An early level of analysis is undertaken ranging from content analysis, through discourse to critical discourse analysis.

This topic aims to:

• Develop a deep understanding of the practice of qualitative research and knowledge production
• Provide an historical understanding of the development of the social sciences and educational research
• Develop skills in textual research
• Develop the capacity to critically analyse research design and establish skills in discerning between research methodologies in the field of education

1. Articulate the difference between quantitative and qualitative research, and different forms of qualitative research
2. Articulate the historical circumstances from which particular methods and methodologies arise
3. Demonstrate skills in critically analysing the use of different methodologies in different research settings
4. Demonstrate skills in qualitative research design in the fields of textual research in education