Introduction To The Philosophy Of Educational Research

A historical-philosophical journey presents the development of research methods from their origins to the present day. This book provides an accessible introduction to the philosophy of educational research.

This book provides an accessible introduction to the philosophy of educational research. A historical-philosophical journey presents the development of research methods from their origins to the present day. In addition, the book reflects on how research methods have influenced scientific effectiveness. Throughout, the book covers the principal things that need to be known today about the theory and practice of educational research, its epistemological bases, and its development as a discipline within scientific knowledge. The historical events that defined both the methodological evolution and the current situation of contemporary educational research are described to enable its understanding.This book provides an accessible introduction to the philosophy of educational research. A historical-philosophical journey presents the development of research methods from their origins to the present day.. It can also be used as didactic material for classroom discussions on educational research, educational philosophy, and current controversies in education. Its usefulness reaches the social sciences, humanities, and experimental sciences in all areas related to teaching and training. The basis of educational research is exposed, both in its concepts or philosophical visions and methodologies, which ultimately define what education means today.

The training of educational researchers now requires a thorough introduction to philosophical issues. This book synthesizes the relevant areas of philosophy of mind, epistemology, philosophy of social science, ethics, and the philosophy of education. Written in characteristically lucid style, this is the masterwork of a world authority on the subject.

This introductory text, now in its fourth edition, is a classic in its field. It shows, first and foremost, the importance of philosophy in educational debate and as a background to any practical activity such as teaching. What is involved in the idea of educating a person or the idea of educational success? What are the criteria for establishing the optimum balance between formal and informal teaching techniques? How trustworthy is educational research? In addition to these questions, which strike to the heart of the rationale for the educative process as a whole, the authors explore such concepts as culture, creativity, autonomy, indoctrination, needs, interests and learning by discovery. In this new updated edition, the authors draw on the latest research in genetics to argue that education is uniquely human and is essentially what develops us as humans. Resisting modern tendencies to equate knowledge with opinion, and value judgements with taste, this book leads the reader into the business of philosophising and champions the cause of reason in education.

Three issues feature as the central themes throughout this book: the nature of social science in general; the nature of educational enquiry in particular; and the links between the language and concepts of research, on the one hand, and those of practice and policy on the other. In analyzing and interrelating these themes, Richard Pring shows their relationship to such central philosophical concepts as meaning, truth, and objectivity. This lucid and ambitious study will be seen as a classic of educational literature. Reviews of the first edition include: "A stimulating and readable book...Pring gives a succinct account of the different philosophical positions and makes a balanced evaluation of their strong and weak points...should be compulsory reading for all trainee teachers let alone educational researchers." -Dr Paul Martinez, Learning and Skills Development Agency Reviews Editor "This volume is a textbook and a manifesto, and research students will welcome the clarity with which the various concepts, tools and approaches are outlined. Most teachers will be stimulated by it." - Times Educational Supplement "Professor Pring's work is far more than the title modestly claims it to be. As much a primer in philosophy of education as a specialist work on the philosophy of educational research it is lucid and concise on topics ranging from the aim[s] of education to the nature of knowledge." - Education Review

This rigorous volume focuses on the underlying perspectives justifying the major approaches currently being used in educational research. Introductory chapters lay the foundation for exploring varying research perspectives. Nine specific perspectives on research—post positivism, pragmatism, constructivism, ethics and deliberate democracy, criticism, interpretivism, race/ethnicity/gender, arts-based research, and post structuralism—are examined, through discussions written by senior scholars known for their expertise in the perspective. And, a “guided tour” of criticism is given, in which these same scholars demonstrate the use of the “critical method” by critiquing six studies selected as exemplars of different research approaches. For education students who aspire to become researchers, and for those who simply need to read and understand research literature.

This book evaluates the increasingly wide variety of intellectual resources for research methods and methodologies and investigates what constitutes good educational research. Written by a distinguished international group of philosophers of education Questions what sorts of research can usefully inform policy and practice, and what inferences can be drawn from different kinds of research Demonstrates the critical engagement of philosophers of education with the wider educational research community and illustrates the benefits that can accrue from such engagement

This book is designed to provide an up-to-date introduction to the Philosophy of Education. It addresses many of the traditional topics in the field, as well as more modern policy issues in education.