Constructivist Approaches and Research Methods
A Practical Guide to Exploring Personal Meanings
- Pam Denicolo - Consultant on Doctoral Education and Training
- Trevor Long - Independent educator
- Kim Bradley-Cole - University of Surrey, UK
This book provides a comprehensive overview of personal construct psychology (PCP) that will help researchers understand the why's, what's and how's of conducting a rigorous constructivist research project.
From the theoretical underpinnings of constructivist approaches to the practical values of these techniques, these three expert authors explain how to conduct interpretative, constructivist research from inception to completion. Key topics include:
- Understanding research philosophies and paradigms
- Constructing and exploring personal realities
- Establishing effective research procedures
- Evaluating grids, mapping, narrative and other research methods
- Managing the practicalities of fieldwork
- Analysing and presenting data
With activities and procedural examples from a wide range of disciplines woven throughout the text and two special chapters featuring in-depth case studies from a variety of constructivist researchers, this book helps readers grasp the tools, designs, and opportunities of interpretative research.
An essential companion for both researchers and practitioners looking to understand people’s values, attitudes, beliefs, perceptions, or motivations!
This book is a welcome guide to an empirically grounded understanding of the constructivist approach. With its focus on research practice in a multitude of fields, it is of great value both for the budding researcher and the seasoned professional.
An excellent overview of the issues facing the constructivist researcher. Graduate students will value its helpful handling of the paradigm debate, while the newcomer to constructivist research will receive a solid grounding in constructivist methods that goes beyond the basic grid interview technique.
This book illustrates a perfect connection, through the personal constructs theory, between an epistemological perspective, constructivism, and its possible methods. It is a useful and complete guide for researchers who are interested in exploring both how people construe their world and their personal perspectives as researchers themselves.
Theoretically rich and provocative of deep reflection in the field to which it is primarily addressed, but equally in any field of enquiry and practice where one works with human beings to enhance their optimal functioning. Yet, eminently practical and with ‘Activities’ that cannot but challenge habitual modes of meaning-making.
Sample Materials & Chapters
Constructivist Approaches and Research Methods: Constructing personal realities
