Contributions from Science Education Research

2007 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Science Education ◽  
Education Research ◽  
Science Education Research

UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH PARADIGMS: TRENDS IN SCIENCE EDUCATION RESEARCH

2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-118
Author(s):  
Sebastian Szyjka
Keyword(s):  
Science Education ◽  
Education Research ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Science Education Research ◽  
Collective Interest ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
The Masses

This essay offers several insights regarding the principles of qualitative and quantitative methods, defining how they shape the empirical process as well as knowledge acquisition in social science research. A comprehensive discussion includes comparing the assumptions and techniques of each paradigm, as well as a description of their respective strengths and weaknesses in research. These paradigms are examined in terms of past trends in science education research, indicating that over the last several decades a shift in approach from the quantitative to qualitative has occurred. The central thesis of the essay contends that methodological decisions should be based in pragmatism, rather than a pre-existent set of philosophies or beliefs irrespective of context. Implications for research are discussed in terms of the findings of several science education content analysis studies, conveying that research methods often coincide with the collective interest of the masses, policy, educational reform or program developments. Key words: paradigm decisions, qualitative research, quantitative research, science education, trends.

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