Overview

This book explores the complex social assumptions and values that underlie research programmes about schools. The analysis of educational research draws upon American and European scholarships in the sociology of knowledge, social philosophy and the history and sociology of science.

Discussion Topics

The discussion considers first the communal, crafts and social characteristics of educational research. Three research models—empirical-analytic, symbolic or linguistic, and critical sciences—are given attention.

Research Models

The discussion of the three research models is to illuminate how the constellation of commitments, assumptions, and practices inter-relate to perform a paradigm, giving different and conflicting definitions to the meaning of educational theory and to the use of the particular techniques of enquiry.

Social Role

The social role of educational research and the researcher is also considered.