COP03 Lecture No. 02 / Methodologies & Critical Analysis_

Methodologies & Critical Analysis

Methods

How the information you have found is:

-        Sourced

-        Collected

-        Collated

-        Presented

Taking control of your research.

Clearly evidence why you have selected these methods of gathering information.

Knowing why you are gathering information > why is the selected evidence the most appropriate.

Methodology

Noun, plural methodologies.

1.

A set or system of methods, principles, and rules for regulating a given discipline, as in the arts or sciences.

2.

Philosophy.

1. The underlying principles and rules of organization of a philosophical system or inquiry procedure.
2. The study of the principles underlying the organization of the various sciences and the conduct of scientific inquiry.
3. Education. A branch of pedagogics dealing with analysis and evaluation of subjects to be taught and of the methods of teaching them.

Evaluating and choosing for specific reasons.

Aim to avoid self-delusion > Not presenting it as the universal truth.

Possibility: choose a theoretical point of view.

Theories

–      Can help you decide upon the methods you use.

–      Material you find may suggest theories.

Noun, plural theories.

1. A coherent group of tested general propositions, commonly regarded as correct, that can be used as principles of explanation and prediction for a class of phenomena:

Einstein's theory of relativity.

Synonyms: principle, law, doctrine.

2. A proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural and subject to experimentation, in contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as reporting matters of actual fact.

Synonyms: idea, notion hypothesis, postulate.

Antonyms: practice, verification, corroboration, substantiation.

3. Mathematics. A body of principles, theorems, or the like, belonging to one subject:

Number theory.

4. The branch of a science or art that deals with its principles or methods, as distinguished from its practice:

Music theory.

5. A particular conception or view of something to be done or of the method of doing it; a system of rules or principles:

Conflicting theories of how children best learn to read.

6. Contemplation or speculation:

The theory that there is life on other planets.

7. Guess or conjecture:

My theory is that he never stops to think words have consequences.

In selecting any theory, we must be aware, it will have its own agenda and will be looking for its own answers.

List of key questions I want to investigate.

What theories do I need to use.

What methods do I need to employ.

Action Research.

Must treat it as seriously as other research.

Choose theories and methods most appropriate to you subject.

Must be relevant.

[1]Methods [2]Theories [3]Application

Make decisions about how to collect and order information.

Choose relevant theoretical stand point.

Apply these to your study.

Explicitly outline this in the introduction. [IMPORTANT]

Address suggested failings in the conclusion.

Clear, logical, consistent methodology.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Being critical…

Evaluating material, based on research, and selection based on an informed decision.

To have critical rigor must have substantial basis research.

Skepticism.

Reasoned thinking – stripping away using evidence and logic to come to your conclusion.

Passion / energy backed up through distance from critical reasoning.

Awareness of perspectives.

Where was the author / artist / designer / photographer situated?

Try to consider different points of view.

Society / attitudes / prejudices / bias

Has that theory been challenged or supported by other theories.

Critique ourselves.

Where am I coming from?

Context is everything.

Consider the influence of one or more of the following:

The time / place / society / politics / economics / technology / philosophy / scientific / thought

Evidence

What is the evidence for what you are saying?

Could you find more evidence to support your conclusions?

Evidence

Reason

Logic

Argument

Argument:-

What do I want to say?

Have I got the evidence to back it up?

Where else do you look to find more evidence?

Triangulation:-

Pitting alterative theories against the same body of data

A clear logical plan:

Keep it simple – refine what you want to say and focus on a few key issues

Look into your key issues in depth and bring in the maximum evidence in to support your views.

Discuss your issues and the evidence you have found in a clear and logical manner.

Move from the general to the specific.