Constructivist Approaches and Research Methods: A Practical Guide to Exploring Personal Meanings
by Pam Denicolo
- First Edition
- New Delhi Sage 2016
- xvii, 227 pages; Illustrations: 22 cm.
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
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