Methodology
Via the secondary data I have developed a greater understanding of the issues that surround home education and socialisation. However, to develop my understanding I have chosen to conduct my own research. In academic research, the utilisation of quantitative or qualitative methods (or a combination of both) are employed to answer any research question; the method chosen is dependent on what you are trying to find out and therefore both have merit (reference). As previously mentioned my research aims to discover the possible social implications that home educated children face compared to those in state schools. Considering that I intend to interview children I decided interviews (qualitative data) would be the most appropriate …show more content…
According to Bell (2014), “a skilful interviewer can follow up ideas, probe responses and investigate motives and feelings”, (pg. 178). Similarly, Cohen (2000), states that using interviews as a data collection method enables the researcher to gain a deeper understanding of the participant’s thoughts, beliefs and attitudes. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews are suitable for all age ranges as the questions can be adapted to suit the participant. According to blah blah semi-structured interviews help to ensure high validity due to the participant being able to voice their own opinion with little interruption from the interviewee. However, I am aware of the limitations and disadvantages of interviews. Firstly, interviews are time consuming and require a great depth of preparation. Secondly, due to lack of anonymity the responses and true opinions of the respondent may be limited. However, the advantages of using this method outweighed the disadvantages and therefore resulted in the inclusion …show more content…
According to The British Educational Research Association (BERA) and the five principles which underpin any educational research. Educational research should be conducted within an ethic of respect for: The person, Knowledge, Democratic Values, The Quality of Educational Issues and Academic freedom. In addition to the five principles BERA (2004) stresses the importance of obtaining informed consent from adults and children. An implication of my research project was that it would consist of interviewing children. Therefore, it was vitally important that I gained consent from the parent and the child. According to Hart and Bond (1995), it is good practice to allow potential participants plenty of time to read and understand the purpose of the research so that they are fully aware of what the research entails. Considering this, I explained to all potential interviewees (via email or face to face) the aim and purpose of my research and explained that they and their children were not obliged to participate and that if they did they were entitled to abandon the interview at any time. Additionally, I explained that I would need written consent from the parent and the child. Due to the nature of interviews respondent anonymity could not be promised (Sapsford and Jupp 2006).
Via the secondary data I have developed a greater understanding of the issues that surround home education and socialisation. However, to develop my understanding I have chosen to conduct my own research. In academic research, the utilisation of quantitative or qualitative methods (or a combination of both) are employed to answer any research question; the method chosen is dependent on what you are trying to find out and therefore both have merit (reference). As previously mentioned my research aims to discover the possible social implications that home educated children face compared to those in state schools. Considering that I intend to interview children I decided interviews (qualitative data) would be the most appropriate …show more content…
According to Bell (2014), “a skilful interviewer can follow up ideas, probe responses and investigate motives and feelings”, (pg. 178). Similarly, Cohen (2000), states that using interviews as a data collection method enables the researcher to gain a deeper understanding of the participant’s thoughts, beliefs and attitudes. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews are suitable for all age ranges as the questions can be adapted to suit the participant. According to blah blah semi-structured interviews help to ensure high validity due to the participant being able to voice their own opinion with little interruption from the interviewee. However, I am aware of the limitations and disadvantages of interviews. Firstly, interviews are time consuming and require a great depth of preparation. Secondly, due to lack of anonymity the responses and true opinions of the respondent may be limited. However, the advantages of using this method outweighed the disadvantages and therefore resulted in the inclusion …show more content…
According to The British Educational Research Association (BERA) and the five principles which underpin any educational research. Educational research should be conducted within an ethic of respect for: The person, Knowledge, Democratic Values, The Quality of Educational Issues and Academic freedom. In addition to the five principles BERA (2004) stresses the importance of obtaining informed consent from adults and children. An implication of my research project was that it would consist of interviewing children. Therefore, it was vitally important that I gained consent from the parent and the child. According to Hart and Bond (1995), it is good practice to allow potential participants plenty of time to read and understand the purpose of the research so that they are fully aware of what the research entails. Considering this, I explained to all potential interviewees (via email or face to face) the aim and purpose of my research and explained that they and their children were not obliged to participate and that if they did they were entitled to abandon the interview at any time. Additionally, I explained that I would need written consent from the parent and the child. Due to the nature of interviews respondent anonymity could not be promised (Sapsford and Jupp 2006).