This paper presents an argument against the wider adoption of complex forms of data analysis, using multi-level modeling (MLM) as an extended case study. MLM was devised to overcome some deficiencies in existing datasets, such as the bias caused by clustering. The paper suggests that MLM has an unclear theoretical and empirical basis, has not led…

Uses the process of model building in applied settings to examine design experiment (DE) methodology, noting that DE work presented in this issue does not discuss model fitting or broader models of validation. Discusses key areas for the DE community to address, positing that the concept of artifact failure in design research may be a more…

This paper examines underachievement, a widely used term in education policy and practice often used to refer to nations, home nations, and regions; types and sectors of schooling; physiological, ethnic, and social groups; and individuals. It has been used to mean simply low achievement, also lower achievement relative to another of these groups,…

This paper considers the possible impact of market forces on educational achievement in English and Welsh secondary schools. A major argument made by market advocates in favor of extending programs of school choice was that this would drive up standards. However, despite 12 years of relevant experience in the United Kingdom, it remains very…

This paper contains a consideration of the nature and role of warrants for research conclusions in educational research. The paper argues the need for an explicit warrant in the form of a logical and persuasive link between the evidence produced and the conclusions drawn (with appropriate qualifications and caveats). It describes social scientific…

There is growing interest in the possibilities of combining research approaches in education and social sciences, as dissatisfaction mounts with the limitations of traditional mono-method studies and with the schism between quantitative and qualitative methods. This book argues the case for combining multiple research methods, and provides…