Example methodology dissertation topic 5:

A discussion of the importance of ontological research within the pedagogy of education.

As ‘a theory of existence concerning the status of the world and what populates it’ (Ernest, 1994, 20), ontological research is advanced with reference to pedagogy by educationalists who posit that ‘reality’ is evaluated in accordance with two broad assumptions: ‘interpretivism’ and ‘realism’. Combining these theoretical assumptions and philosophical definitions, this dissertation evaluates the methods currently being applied to assessing pedagogy, and determines which approach is best suited to this area. Accordingly, it also examines the value of epistemological research methods and considers the merits of both approaches. Finally, it investigates how much ‘learning’ is actually ‘knowing’, and how much the methodology in pedagogy has affected the understanding of ‘learning’.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Cohen, L. (2000). Research methods in education. Abingdon: RoutledgeFalmer.
• Dall’Alba, G. and Barnacle, R. (2007). ‘An ontological turn for higher education’. Studies in Higher Education, vol. 32(6), pp. 679-691.
• Ernest, P. (1994). Educational research: Its philosophy and purpose: An introduction to research methodology and paradigms. Exeter: University of Exeter.