chapter five methodological approach - action …（第五章方法论的方法u2014u2014行动u2026）.pdfVIP

Chapter Five Methodological Approach Introduction In this chapter, I will set out the action research methodology that I intend to use in my self-study as well as exploring other forms of research. I will discuss the concepts of ontology and epistemology and their relevance to our understanding of research. I use a living educational theory approach to action research as it allows me to provide explanations for my own learning, my influence in the learning of others and my influence in the education of social formations. ‘Normative’ and ‘interpretive’ are terms used to describe two perspectives on the nature of the world or reality. Whichever view we take will affect how we go about uncovering knowledge and social behaviour. These two perspectives relate to one’s assumptions in four areas: ontological, epistemological, socio-cultural and methodological. In any discussion about research, it is important to explain one’s assumptions. I will explore these four sets of assumptions. Ontology refers to whether reality is objective and external to human beings or whether it is created by one’s own consciousness. Epistemology is concerned with knowledge and how it can be acquired. The question here relates to whether we see knowledge as a hard body of objective reality or as a subjective experience of reality. Whichever view we take will affect how we go about uncovering knowledge. The socio-cultural assumption concerns the relationship between humans and the natural environment. This refers to whether or not the human being is essentially active or passive. Do we respond to external events or stimuli or are we active initiators of our own actions? Whichever 80 perspective we adopt will affect the methodological approach that we choose in research. Usher believes that most researchers hold these commitments tacitly. “ What we can concludef r