Intimate Accounts of Education Policy Research: The Practice of Methods

Scholars in education policy and governance research discuss how the practice of methods is messy, subjective, and provisional, and how this methodological openness can help to examine how research reproduces scholars' metaphysics, how research is a deeply embodied process, and how scholars' concerns interfere in the worlds they study. This book offers new approaches in education policy and governance research that are more generative, insightful, and sincere.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 214 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

When we delve into the realm of education policy and governance research, we embark on a complex and multifaceted journey. Our objective is to unravel the intricate threads that shape these fields, to uncover the underlying principles and practices that guide decision-making and policy implementation. However, this pursuit is not without its challenges. The messy hinterland of research, filled with uncertainties, complexities, and subjective judgments, demands our attention and careful navigation.

In this volume, distinguished scholars in education policy and governance research come together to explore the messy nature of research methodologies. They acknowledge that scholarship in this field is not a pristine and linear process, but rather a complex and provisional endeavor. Methodology, they argue, is riddled with tensions, doubts, troubles, and mundane decisions. It is a realm where scholars grapple with the ethical implications of their research, the limitations of their data, and the subjective interpretations of their findings.

The scholarship presented in this book takes a different approach. It shifts from merely recording the methodological hinterland to utilizing it as a valuable resource for thinking about the researched world and about research itself. These scholars advocate for a methodological openness that allows us to examine how research reproduces scholars' metaphysics, how it is a deeply embodied process encompassing all senses, how scholars' concerns interfere in the worlds they study, and how these concerns equally interfere with researchers. By challenging the notion of smooth methodological accounts that conceal the complex and provisional nature of research, this book offers new approaches that are more generative, insightful, and sincere.

One of the key insights offered by these scholars is that research is not a neutral and objective pursuit. It is deeply intertwined with the values, beliefs, and biases of the researchers themselves. The choices made in research design, data collection, and analysis can shape the outcomes and interpretations of the study. Therefore, it is essential for researchers to be aware of their own assumptions, prejudices, and biases and to take steps to mitigate their impact on the research process.

Another important aspect of this book is the recognition of the embodied nature of research. Scholars argue that research is not solely a cognitive exercise but also a deeply sensory and emotional experience. The researcher's body, emotions, and experiences can influence their observations, interpretations, and conclusions. Therefore, it is crucial for researchers to consider the impact of their own physical and emotional well-being on their research and to take steps to maintain a healthy balance between their work and personal life.

Furthermore, the scholarship presented in this book emphasizes the importance of reflexivity in research. Reflexivity involves the researcher's self-awareness and self-reflection on their research process. It involves questioning their assumptions, biases, and assumptions, and examining the impact of their own experiences and perspectives on the research. By engaging in reflexivity, researchers can enhance the rigor, validity, and reliability of their findings.

In conclusion, the book "The Messy Hinterland of Research Methods in Education Policy and Governance" offers a valuable contribution to the field of education research. By challenging the notion of smooth methodological accounts and advocating for a more open and reflexive approach, these scholars provide new insights into the complex and provisional nature of research. This book will be of great interest to researchers, academics, and post-graduate students in the fields of education research and education theory, as well as social scientists interested in research methodologies more broadly. Through its exploration of the messy hinterland of research, this book offers a roadmap for researchers to navigate the complexities of their work and produce more insightful and meaningful scholarship.

Weight: 368g
Dimension: 233 x 157 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367642402