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Qualitative Research Methods for Science Education

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Second International Handbook of Science Education

Part of the book series: Springer International Handbooks of Education ((SIHE,volume 24))

Abstract

In this chapter, I describe how high quality research can be done in science education. I include four main sections in which I explain the purposes of qualitative research, data collection, data analysis, and preparation of reports. I emphasize the salience to qualitative research of specifying researchable questions that inevitably change as the research is conducted. I address issues of credibility, ethical conduct, uses of quantitative information, and the necessity to fully understand contradictions.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Anthropology of Education, Emeritus, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1521, USA

    Frederick Erickson (Inaugural George F. Kneller Professor)

Authors
  1. Frederick Erickson
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Correspondence to Frederick Erickson .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Science & Mathematics Education Centre, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, West Australia, Australia

    Barry J. Fraser

  2. The Graduate Centre, City University of New York, New York, 10016-4309, New York, USA

    Kenneth Tobin

  3. Ctr. Mathematics & Science Education, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Rd., Kelvin Grove, 4059, Queensland, Australia

    Campbell J. McRobbie

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Erickson, F. (2012). Qualitative Research Methods for Science Education. In: Fraser, B., Tobin, K., McRobbie, C. (eds) Second International Handbook of Science Education. Springer International Handbooks of Education, vol 24. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9041-7_93

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