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Qualitative Approaches in Mathematics Education Research: Challenges and Possible Solutions

Published: 10 March 2013
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Abstract

Despite being relatively new in mathematics education research, qualitative researchapproaches need special attention as attempts are being made to enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of this approach. It is important that researchers are aware of the limitations associated with these methods so that measures are put in place to try and minimize the effects of these limitations Philosophical roots and key features of this paradigm are outlined. Qualitative methods such as the interview approach in research literature as a data gathering tool are considered next. Challenges faced by qualitative researchers in terms of reliability, validity and generability are considered. Examples are provided to illustrate methodological problems and solutions related to qualitative methods.

Published in Education Journal (Volume 2, Issue 2)
DOI 10.11648/j.edu.20130202.14
Page(s) 50-57
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2013. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Research Methods, Qualitative Research, Data Collection, Quality Criteria, Limitations, Possible Solutions

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    Sashi Sharma. (2013). Qualitative Approaches in Mathematics Education Research: Challenges and Possible Solutions. Education Journal, 2(2), 50-57. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.edu.20130202.14

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  • @article{10.11648/j.edu.20130202.14,
      author = {Sashi Sharma},
      title = {Qualitative Approaches in Mathematics Education Research: Challenges and Possible Solutions},
      journal = {Education Journal},
      volume = {2},
      number = {2},
      pages = {50-57},
      doi = {10.11648/j.edu.20130202.14},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.edu.20130202.14},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.edu.20130202.14},
      abstract = {Despite being relatively new in mathematics education research, qualitative researchapproaches need special attention as attempts are being made to enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of this approach. It is important that researchers are aware of the limitations associated with these methods so that measures are put in place to try and minimize the effects of these limitations Philosophical roots and key features of this paradigm are outlined. Qualitative methods such as the interview approach in research literature as a data gathering tool are considered next. Challenges faced by qualitative researchers in terms of reliability, validity and generability are considered. Examples are provided to illustrate methodological problems and solutions related to qualitative methods.},
     year = {2013}
    }
    

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    AB  - Despite being relatively new in mathematics education research, qualitative researchapproaches need special attention as attempts are being made to enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of this approach. It is important that researchers are aware of the limitations associated with these methods so that measures are put in place to try and minimize the effects of these limitations Philosophical roots and key features of this paradigm are outlined. Qualitative methods such as the interview approach in research literature as a data gathering tool are considered next. Challenges faced by qualitative researchers in terms of reliability, validity and generability are considered. Examples are provided to illustrate methodological problems and solutions related to qualitative methods.
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Author Information
  • Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, Faculty of Education,The university of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand

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