3. METHODS IN CONTEXT (14)

What is Methods in Context?

Applying research methods to a specific educational topic or setting.

You must:

• Evaluate the research method

• Apply it to the educational context given

How to Contextualise Answers

Always think about:

WHO?

• Teachers

• Pupils

• Parents

• Sensitive groups

WHAT?

• What educational issue is being studied?

• Is it sensitive or controversial?

WHERE?

• Classroom

• Playground

• Whole school setting

Hawthorne Effect

Definition

People change behaviour because they know they are being studied.

Example

Teachers acting differently during observation.

Solution

Covert observation can reduce this effect.

Hidden Curriculum

Definition

Unofficial values and norms taught in schools.

Examples

• Obedience

• Respect for authority

• Competition

• Timekeeping

Researching Hidden Curriculum - Problems

• Gatekeepers (headteachers may deny access)

• Teachers may hide true views

Best Methods

• Participant observation

• Unstructured interviews

These provide higher validity and reveal hidden behaviour.

Differential Achievement

Definition

Differences in achievement based on:

• Class

• Gender

• Ethnicity

Factors Affecting Achievement

In -school Factors

• Labelling

• Teacher expectations

• Streaming/setting

Out-of-school Factors

• Poverty

• Family background

• Material deprivation

Official Statistics in Education

Strengths

• Large-scale data

• Reliable

• Shows patterns and trends

Weaknesses

• Low validity

• Cannot explain meanings

• Social factors difficult to measure

Teacher Labelling

Definition

Teachers attach labels to pupils.

Positive Labels

• “Bright”

• “Hard-working”

Negative Labels

• “Troublemaker”

• “Low ability”

Research Issues- Ethical Problems

• Pupils need parental consent

• Sensitive topic

Validity Problems

• Teachers may deny bias

Best Methods

• Observation

• Field experiments

Covert methods may improve validity.

Anti-School Subcultures

Definition

Groups rejecting school values.

Characteristics

• Opposition to authority

• Disruptive behaviour

• Anti-education attitudes

Example

Paul Willis – “the lads”

Researching Anti-School Subcultures - Participant Observation

Strengths

• High validity

• Rich qualitative data

• Understands group culture and meanings

Weaknesses

• Difficult access

• Schools may refuse permission

• Ethical issues and deception

• Risk of “going native”

• Time-consuming

Hawthorne Effect

Overt observation may change pupil behaviour.

Educational Policy Research

Examples of Policies

• Marketisation

• Academies

• League tables

• GCSE reforms

Official Statistics

Strengths

• Track trends over time

• Representative data

Weaknesses

• May be politically manipulated

• Do not explain causes

Interviews

Politicians and schools may give biased answers.

Gatekeepers

People controlling access to research:

• Headteachers

• Parents

• Local authorities

They can limit access to schools and pupils.

Sensitive Topics in Education Research

Examples:

• Bullying

• Racism

• Teacher bias

• Truancy

• Drugs/crime

These raise ethical concerns.

Triangulation

Using multiple methods together to improve validity.

Example

Observation + interviews + official statistics.

Common Methods in Education Research

Quick Method Comparisons

Key Thinkers

Essay Structure for Methods in ContextIntroduction

• Define the method and topic.

Main Paragraphs

For each point:

1. Strength or weakness

2. Apply to educational context

3. Use CORRPET

4. Link to theory

Conclusion

• Judge overall usefulness

• Suggest alternative methods if needed.