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Doing Work Based Research
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Doing Work Based Research
Approaches to Enquiry for Insider-Researchers



March 2010 | 224 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

With the growth of practitioner research, this book leads the way by addressing key issues faced by 'insider researchers' – those doing research projects in the organizations and communities in which they themselves work, or where they are already familiar with the setting.

The authors explore the implications of these research contexts, and discuss approaches and methodologies that researchers in these contexts might adopt, with a particular focus on ethics - one of the key concerns for students undertaking a research project of this type.

This book is for anyone undertaking a research project based on work practice, including postgraduate, undergraduate and doctoral students. Students on work-based programs or modules including education, healthcare and business courses, whose research projects are often undertaken in workplace settings, will find it particularly useful.


 
Key Concepts for the Insider-Researcher
 
Search and Review of Relevant Knowledge and Information
 
Research Ethics and Insider-Researchers
 
Privilege, Power and Politics in Work-Based Research
 
Gaining Access for the Insider-Researcher: Issues, Practices, Audiences, Ethics and Gratitude
 
Learning Contracts/Agreements and Intellectual Capital
 
Developing a Methodology
 
Collaborative Research
 
A Reflection on Professional Practice
 
Work-Based Research in Action
 
The Development of a Research Proposal
 
Preparing and Evaluating Project Outcomes and Then Assessing the Learning Achieved
 
Recommendations and Presentations Arising from the Research

'Synthesized in a highly accessible format, the readers are offered clear, practical information worth its weight in gold to anyone seeking clarity about the precise nature of the tasks they have ahead…I cannot recommend the book highly enough and would definitely prescribe its use as an antidote to the insomnia that may affect those expert practitioners but naïve academics embarking upon such a path' - Management Learning


'The collective impact of [this] book in terms of the knowledge, skills and understanding that it can provide the insider-researcher cannot be underestimated...I would recommend this book to any learner, practitioner or manager about to embark on research in their own organisation. It is both an authoratative and highly readable guide to practice and underpinning theory of work-based learning research. I have no doubt its reach and impact will be wide ranging'
Journal of Higher Education, Skills and Work Based Learning


'This book provides an invaluable resource for practitioners engaged in real world research in, for and through the workplace. Practitioners bring to work-based research a wealth of practice based expertise and insight. Yet those new to researching their field of practice also have to attune their mind-sets to the discipline and demands of social scientific research. Costley Elliot and Gibbs' text achieves an intelligent balance in acknowledging their readers' expertise and experience in managing the realities of work while confronting them with the challenges and options that the research journey will present. From design to dissemination, from ethics to evaluation, the authors navigate the rich terrain of research methodology and work-based inquiry, alerting the reader to the array of perspectives and choices as well as pitfalls for the unwary. With examples that stimulate and tasks that consolidate, the text can be used from introductory to doctoral levels. A welcome and timely addition to the 'research methods' literature in a burgeoning field' - Professor Karen Evans, Institute of Education, University of London


'This is an important contribution to the ever-growing literature on the subject of insider research. Its practical focus provides readers with a substantive guide to considering and enacting research in their own organisations' - David Coghlan, Trinity College Dublin, author of Doing Action Research in Your Own Organization.


This is a really useful text for students navigating the complexities of being an insider researcher, including the challenges of working ethically, negotiating power relationships, and seeking to build collaborative practices. Highly recommended.

Mrs Sally Tazewell
Dept of Care and Early Years, auckland university of technology
June 13, 2022

The textbooks provide a really interesting perspective on work-based research.
We are adopting it for our new Final Project module

Mr Saikou Sanyang
Tower Hamlets Campus, Arden University
December 3, 2022

Good clear information relating to carrying out a research project including action research and how it is to be conducted.

Miss Lisa Holland
teacher education, Tameside College
December 17, 2020

Although not suitable for the module, it is a good guide for my teaching staff who are encouraged to conduct Action Research within their everyday practice

Mrs Michelle Gibbons
International Studies, Essex University
September 10, 2019

As previously expressed this publication clearly explains the process for research in a working environment to enable students to explore their chosen topics for dissertations (BA) and action research (Fd) on relevant programmes.

Miss Tracey Canham
Health Care and Early Years, Swindon College
February 15, 2017

This publication enables students to clearly relate their research to practical situations in the workplace. Clear questions are highlighted to support students projects in their work environment.

Miss Tracey Canham
Health Care And Early Years, Swindon College
July 30, 2016

This is a great accessible read with good examples.

Mrs Jo Kennedy
Education and Training, Cornwall Neighbourhood's 4 Change
September 23, 2015

Very clear guide to carring out research in the workplace. Ideal introduction for those in education

Ms Mary Cryan
Supporting Teaching and Learning, Adult Education Centre
February 24, 2015

A really accessible book with thoughtful reflective questions to support work based students.

Mrs Denise Salter
Faculty of Health Studies, Bucks New University
October 29, 2014

Sample Materials & Chapters

Introduction

Chapter One


For instructors

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This title is also available on SAGE Research Methods, the ultimate digital methods library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.