Knowledge and Discourse Matters

11METHODOLOGY

11.1 INTRODUCTION

Why should we be interested in research methodology? In simple terms, methodology is concerned with the way in which the researcher frames questions for research and how that research is carried out using a project designed to provide reasonable answers. However, this simplistic description masks a significant underlying complexity. Setting that aside for the moment, there is one main reason for having an interest in methodology and in developing an understanding of its core concepts, questions, and debates. Here it is: if one does not have even a rudimentary notion of research methodology as the determinant of what is asked, what is researched and how, how findings are arrived at, and how they are interpreted and reported and if one does not understand the view of the world and its contents that the researcher is working within and influenced by, then one is not in the position to do any other than accept research at its face value.

This is, admittedly, what most people do when watching the television news for instance. But, just occasionally, a broadcast news report will prompt the response: “that’s not right!” “that’s not how it is!” and so on. In these cases, the viewer has personal knowledge and understanding of the matter being reported and is consequently in a position to take on the role of critical reviewer. The implication of this analogy is that the reader of research—casual or otherwise—is just as much a participant in the research ...