Research Methodology

Demonstrate through critical reflection, a deep
understanding of the philosophical assumptions that
underpin educational research and how these can be
impacted by the researcher’s own professional
values
Assignment One
A critically reflective account of the practitioner’s values as they relate to their own
work-based practice and research interests. This account will refer to ethical
codes of practice in education research and, where relevant, professional
standards related to the student’s own professional practice.

This assignment requires you to make clear links between the philosophical
assumptions you have been exploring (epistemological, ontological, axiological
and methodological) and your own professional values and practice.

You will need to evidence the following:
• Understanding of philosophical assumptions
Critical evaluation of philosophical assumptions
• Critical reflection of your own philosophical assumptions
• Critical reflection on how your professional values impact on your
philosophical assumptions
This means that you need to think about your worldview and beliefs, and how
these impact on your professional practice and values, answering the questions
below should help you:
– What are your own philosophical assumptions?
– How have these assumptions been shaped?
– What personal and professional values and principles do you have?
– How are your values impacted by your assumptions?
– How is your own professional practice influenced by these values?
You should include a critical analysis of your professional practice in relation to
the philosophical assumptions you feel aligned with.
You should refer to appropriate literature to support and analyse your critical
reflection. References are expected from the module materials, as well as wider
reading related to your own context (e.g. discipline, country, educational
institution).
You can write in the first person, as this is a reflection on your own practice.