Conclusion and Reflection Prompts
This handbook has presented research method as a journey from “deep” philosophical considerations to specific approaches to collecting and analysing data. Obviously there is much more that could be said: many books have been written about individual methods and philosophical takes described above. But hopefully this guide provides a useful overview of a topography that can be confusing and intimidating.
Looking in more detail at how different methods have been used by doctoral researchers from GO-GN can be a useful way to see the possibilities with different methodologies. You can find a list of completed theses at the end of this handbook. For future editions we hope to incorporate more insights from the network and cover even more methods.
We have shown how openness can be a relevant consideration in all aspects of the research process. In conclusion, we invite you to reflect on the ways in which openness can frame or enhance your own research.
- How do you frame your research? What motivates it?
- Describing what is happening (e.g. learner diversity in MOOCs)
- Identifying patterns (e.g. how are networks changing learner interactions?)
- Challenging existing narratives (e.g. ‘digital native’)
- Focus on something overlooked (e.g. importance of sociocultural factors)
- Supporting professional practice (e.g. educator development)
- Developing new theories
- Describing new trends (e.g. open education)
- Refine/redefine roles (e.g. MOOCs)
What will be the value of answering your research question? Can open approaches enhance or add value?
- Directly influencing practice
- Producing tools
- Sharing data for re-use
- Open access publication
- Developing open networks
