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Constructivist Approaches and Research Methods
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Constructivist Approaches and Research Methods
A Practical Guide to Exploring Personal Meanings

First Edition


September 2016 | 248 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

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!   

 
Part I: Making decisions based on philosophy, theory and project purpose
 
Chapter 1: Introduction and orientation to constructivist research
 
Chapter 2: Understanding the nature of constructivist approaches
 
Chapter 3: Linking philosophy and theory to research purpose
 
Chapter 4: Constructing personal realities
 
Part II: Practicalities of Engaging in Constructivist Research
 
Chapter 5: Exploring personal realities
 
Chapter 6: Setting the climate for effective research encounters
 
Chapter 7: An evaluation of a range of potential research techniques
 
Chapter 8: An evaluation of a range of potential research designs
 
Chapter 9: Realities and practicalities in managing fieldwork
 
Chapter 10: Data analysis, meaning interpretation and management/presentation issues
 
Part III: How others have used PCP – sample research cases
 
Chapter 11: Cases using different designs
 
Chapter 12: Constructive alternatives, psychic mirrors and narrative turns: reflections on a lifetime as a personal construct researcher

For instructors

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ISBN: 9781473930308
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SAGE Research Methods is a research methods tool created to help researchers, faculty and students with their research projects. SAGE Research Methods links over 175,000 pages of SAGE’s renowned book, journal and reference content with truly advanced search and discovery tools. Researchers can explore methods concepts to help them design research projects, understand particular methods or identify a new method, conduct their research, and write up their findings. Since SAGE Research Methods focuses on methodology rather than disciplines, it can be used across the social sciences, health sciences, and more.

With SAGE Research Methods, researchers can explore their chosen method across the depth and breadth of content, expanding or refining their search as needed; read online, print, or email full-text content; utilize suggested related methods and links to related authors from SAGE Research Methods' robust library and unique features; and even share their own collections of content through Methods Lists. SAGE Research Methods contains content from over 720 books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and handbooks, the entire “Little Green Book,” and "Little Blue Book” series, two Major Works collating a selection of journal articles, and specially commissioned videos.