Identity and the insider researcher: transitions in professional doctoral research

Clint Godfrey

Abstract below..

 A range of studies have attempted to measure attitudes in education (Tapia and Marsh, 2004; George, 2000; Christodolous et al. 2006), largely they are reliant upon quantitative measures. There is limited qualitative research which explores in depth people’s attitudes towards educational sport courses and the factors that have influenced these.  This poster will present a brief overview of my attempt to help fill this void as part of a collaborative research approach for a Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD).

An overview of the research to date will be presented and consideration will be given to the early challenges that I have encountered.   When conducting research in practice and general practitioner research it is argued that researchers should consider their position in relation to the insider-outsider debate ( Costley et al. 2010;  Dwyer and Buckie, 2009;  Mercer, 2007).  Early attempts and changing work related circumstances have led me into a state of slight confusion about my identity as a researcher, insider or outsider?  My own position will be discussed in the poster and how this is being shaped by the support available on the EdD will be considered.

Delegates viewing this poster will gain an understanding about the changing thought processes that I am experiencing as a student enrolled on the course and how I am contextualising my experiences.

Finally, they will be offered an overview of how this research has the potential to inform educational policy and practice in Premier League football clubs.  It is hoped that this will stimulate thought and perhaps aid others in future research.

References:

Christodoulos, A. D., Douda, H.T., Polykratis, M. and Tokmakidis, S.P. (2006)  Attitudes towards exercise and physical activity behaviours in Greek schoolchildren after a year long health education intervention. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 40, 367-71.

Costley, C., Elliott, G. and Gibbs, P. (2010) Doing Work Based Research; approaches to enquiry for insider-researchers.  London; Sage

Dwyer, S. C., & Buckle, J. L. (2009). The space between: On being an insider-outsider in qualitative research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 8(1), 54-63

George, R. (2000) Measuring change in students‟ attitudes toward science over time: An application of latent variable growth modelling. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 9(3), 213-225.

Mercer, J. (2007) The challenges of insider research in educational institutions: wielding a double edge sword and resolving delicate dilemmas.  Oxford Review of Education, 33(1), 1-17.

Tapia, M. and Marsh, G. E. (2004). An instrument to measurement mathematics attitudes.  Academic Exchange Quarterly, 8, 2.