Alternative Facts, Fake News, and Educational Research: Reconsidering Qualitative Methodologies in the Age of Trump

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Qualitative researchers initially used a constructivist epistemology to justify their methods, and, over time, constructivism opened the door for a wide range of qualitative approaches, including so-called “openly ideological research.” When one assumes knowledge is constructed, of course, there always will be “alternative facts” emerging from studies employing different a priori perspectives to frame and structure empirical work. Now that politicians have embraced ideas such as alternative facts and fake news, there is a need for a more nuanced rationale for qualitative methodologies. This session features a discussion grounded in four papers that explore (and attempt to transcend) apparent similarities between Trump-inspired rhetoric, on the one hand, and the ideas articulated by different types of qualitative researchers, on the other.

Sub Unit

• Division D - Measurement and Research Methodologies / Division D - Section 3: Qualitative Research Methods

Chair

• Robert B. Donmoyer, University of San Diego

Papers

• Can "Public Intellectuals" Avoid the Charge of Fake News? - Carolyn M. Shields, Wayne State University

• Considering Two Questions One More Time: What Is Science? Is Qualitative Research Scientific? - Robert B. Donmoyer, University of San Diego

• Adjusting the Scope of Methodological Vision - Jasmine Ulmer, Wayne State University

• Equity for Indigenous Students: Resisting the Political Blurring of Education Policy and Research - Mere Berryman, University of Waikato

Discussant

• Gloria J. Ladson-Billings, University of Wisconsin - Madison