Modeling Research as an Alternative Research Methodology in Mathematics Education

• In Event: Roundtable Session 15
  In Roundtable Session: Casting a Critical "I/Eye" on Alternative Methodological Perspectives in Education

Abstract

This paper is a methodological reflection articulating methodological contributions, challenges and limitations of a relatively new qualitative method called modeling research. The data of this methodological reflection was derived from a mathematics education research project that investigated pre-service teachers’ knowledge, as well as the researcher's experience and reflections of this study. The paper highlights three key findings about modeling research: (1) It provides a powerful and coherent way to collect and analyze data; (2) It is centered on reflexivity of researchers about their decisions, actions, and interpretations; and (3) It yields transparency in methodological decisions which are collaboratively made and triangulated. This method offers possibilities for democratizing the education research process and improving qualitative research practices.

Author

• Serife Sevis, Indiana University-Bloomington