Doing Work Based Research
Approaches to Enquiry for Insider-Researchers
- Carol Costley - University of Middlesex
- Geoffrey C Elliott - University of Worcester, UK
- Paul Gibbs - University of Middlesex
With the growth of practitioner research, this book leads the way by addressing key issues faced by 'insider researchers' – those doing research projects in the organizations and communities in which they themselves work, or where they are already familiar with the setting.
The authors explore the implications of these research contexts, and discuss approaches and methodologies that researchers in these contexts might adopt, with a particular focus on ethics - one of the key concerns for students undertaking a research project of this type.
This book is for anyone undertaking a research project based on work practice, including postgraduate, undergraduate and doctoral students. Students on work-based programs or modules including education, healthcare and business courses, whose research projects are often undertaken in workplace settings, will find it particularly useful.
The textbooks provide a really interesting perspective on work-based research.
We are adopting it for our new Final Project module
Excellent breakdown to work-based ontology and epistemology. Some thought provoking concepts and methods.
I found this book to be an very easy to read and practical text for students who are undertaking research within their organisation. It provides students with a guide as to how to determine the most appopriate ways to small scale research
A really accessible book with thoughtful reflective questions to support work based students.
Particularly useful for students doing work based learning modules in year 1 and year 2 of Foundation degree in early Years. Gives very practical advice for carrying out an enquiry in the work place.
Easy to read with clear explanations. All degree students will fing it invaluable when completing research assignments/dissertations
Feedback has been very positive from the group and the action research module has used this book successfully.
Useful background reading for for practice based disciplines and for those who may need to carry out research in their own organisation.
A welcome contribution to the work-based 'how -to' genre. Provides a comprehensive introduction to academic research for insider researchers and will be a valued addition to the standard and traditional research textbooks which seldom address the growing numbers of people engaged with research relevant to their work. I am not sure about chapter 6 which is concerned with learning contracts. That organisational demands and academic demands need to be aligned within the research is a matter for discussion but I'm not sure that this chapter addresses this. Also I would have liked more discussion on size of project (level and number of credits) as this has a significant impact on the nature and design of the inquiry.
Although not suitable for the module, it is a good guide for my teaching staff who are encouraged to conduct Action Research within their everyday practice
