Theory and Educational Research

by Jean Anyon

Most empirical researchers avoid the use of theory in their studies, providing data but little or no social explanation. Theoreticians, on the other hand, rarely test their ideas with empirical projects. As this groundbreaking volume makes clear, however, neither data nor theory alone is adequate to the task of social explanation―rather they form and inform each other as the inquiry process unfolds. Theory and Educational Research bridges the age-old theory/research divide by demonstrating how researchers can use critical social theory to determine appropriate empirical research strategies, and extend the analytical, critical – and sometimes emancipatory – power of data gathering and interpretation. Each chapter models a theoretically informed empiricism that places the data research yields in constant conversation with theoretical arsenals of powerful concepts. Personal reflections following each chapter chronicle the contributors’ trajectories of struggle and triumph utilizing theory and its powers in research. In the end this rich collection teaches education scholars how to deliberately engage with critical social theory in research to produce work that is simultaneously theoretically inspired, politically engaged, and empirically evocative.

Genres: Research, Education

220 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Sunah Chung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why do I need theories in educational research? How can I apply theories into my research design and analysis? The book, Theory and educational research, by Jean Anyon explains the answers of my inquiries with authentic examples of studies. Our perspectives to see the public issues are constructed socially, and by clarifying the perspectives as theoretical frameworks, researchers could shape the concerns and interpret the issues coherently. By acknowledging theoretical perspectives and providing theories, audiences could understand the researcher’s’ interpretations and implications clearly.

This book contains six educational studies by six different educational researchers with reflections of each researcher. Rich explanations are described according to the theories that the researchers employ, applying the theories into their research questions and answers and overall impacts of theory into research. It is very helpful for me to understand the significance of theory in educational research. It also gives me insight to apply theories into my research design.

[Sunah Chung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why do I need theories in educational research? How can I apply theories into my research design and analysis? The book, Theory and educational research, by Jean Anyon explains the answers of my inquiries with authentic examples of studies. Our perspectives to see the public issues are constructed socially, and by clarifying the perspectives as theoretical frameworks, researchers could shape the concerns and interpret the issues coherently. By acknowledging theoretical perspectives and providing theories, audiences could understand the researcher’s’ interpretations and implications clearly.

This book contains six educational studies by six different educational researchers with reflections of each researcher. Rich explanations are described according to the theories that the researchers employ, applying the theories into their research questions and answers and overall impacts of theory into research. It is very helpful for me to understand the significance of theory in educational research. It also gives me insight to apply theories into my research design.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

My college actually placed this book on the free bookcase it had never been checked out. I have recently been very interested in education primary because I'd love to homeschool one day and this topic is one I've talked to many friends about. This books focus is not just on how a better education will help you succeed in life but the of structure of education economic wise and social effects. It's definitely shrouded in research differ point of views and I will say it's dense long with eyeopening thoughts and actions.

[Anne Lutomia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An accessible read on theory use and the importance of research with theory that informs method. The personal reflections of how scholars were introduced to theories and how they apply them were very engaging and demanded me to also reflect on how I interact with theory. This is a must read for graduate students who are engaging with theory for the first time.

[Crystal Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love the way this book breaks down the relevance of theory while explaining how complicated it is to use theory as an exploration of research as opposed to merely supporting research. Great stuff here! I left off a star because I wanted MORE :-)

[Joe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Informative, but dense and forced. I enjoyed the reflections by the contributors, but some of their work nearly put me to sleep. I'm glad I slogged through it, though.