Philosophy of ScienceIntroduction to Social Science Research

Importance of Research, with an Emphasis on Educational Research

Central Questions

What is the importance of research? What does it do? What does it not do?

What are the main sources of research?How are research topics selected?How do our paradigms shape our research approaches?

The Importance of Research-What it Does

Defines membership in a field of study, profession, or discipline.

Defines a field of study/practice, profession, or discipline.

Reveals taken-for-granted assumptions.Informs practice.Guides policy making.Stakes Claims

The Importance of Research-What it Doesn’t Do

Preserve Neutrality.Remain Apolitical.Provide Findings for Free.Merely Provide Truth or a Pathway to

Truth-seeking

Sources, Channels, and Outlets for Research

University communities.Practitioner-based settings and NGOs.Governmental offices.Foundation groups.A few words about journals and

conferences.Likewise with regard to electronic media.

How are Academic Research Topics Selected?

Individual passions,interests, and quests,Guided by the current state of the field.

Therefore…Researchers need to know their interests,And the state of the literature.

Selected Purposes of Education

To enjoy lifeTo enhance citizenshipTo increase

productivity.Liberal arts educationProblem SolvingSocial JusticeOrganizational Efficacy

Skill AcquisitionCareer TrainingSelf-fulfillment Intellectual GrowthOther:Other:Other:

Competing Paradigms in Adult Education

Reflective-HumanisticStatus Quo OrientationCritical PedagogicalOtherOther