Postpositivism and Educational Research

by D.C. Phillips, Nicholas C. Burbules

This volume presents in a forthright and lively way, an account of the philosophical position generally identified as 'Postpositivistic' that undergirds much of mainstream research in education and the related social sciences. The discussion throughout is informed by recent developments in philosophy of science. Authors D. C. Phillips and Nicholas C. Burbules cite a number of interesting examples from the educational research and evaluation literature to illustrate the value of a scientific approach. Many educational researchers aspire to carry out rigorous or disciplined inquiry aimed at producing accurate (and generally 'truthful') accounts of educational phenomena and the causal psychological or social processes that lay behind them. However, many recent critics have argued that it is a mistake to believe that research can yield theories, or advance claims that are true, objective, and value-neutral. In other words, that researchers always work within frameworks that embody important (and often questionable) assumptions about values and the nature of human knowledge. This book argues that, while there is much to be learned from recent critiques, traditional scientific values and assumptions are not outmoded. The authors show students how to implement and benefit from the scientific method in ways that take into account recent critiques.

Genres: Education

114 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Denis Charles Phillips is Professor Emeritus of Education and of Philosophy at Stanford University. Professor Phillips' special interest is in educational research and evaluation of program methodology and design.

Reviews

[Lorette · Rating 3 out of 5]

One only needs to read this slim, 4 chapter book if one has to read about post positivism. Its not the most straightforward explanation, but it is pretty thorough. And one or both of these authors loooves exclamation points!

[Edy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read the book when I was in graduate school. Although it's not a page turner, I learned a lot about education research.

[cubbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

decently engaging and informative.

[Eliezer Sneiderman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this title. It felt like repackaged positivism.