Researching values in education

This article is concerned with some methodological issues that arise when values form the main focus of empirical educational research. It includes discussion of the idea that social science in general and educational research in particular are forms of moral enquiry. It draws upon Lakatos's account of the methodology of scientific research programmes, MacIntyre's account of rival traditions of moral enquiry and Gadamer's account of hermeneutics to outline a methodology of educational research. It concludes by speculating upon what might count as progressive research programmes in education and the responsibilities of those who support them.