Design and Technology: a methodology for exploring 'elite' beliefs

This paper describes the approach taken and techniques used in a pilot MRes research project. It aims to be of practical interest, particularly to new researchers. The study was undertaken in 2005-2006 in context, which still pertains, of the ambiguous nature of D&T in England and thereby vulnerability to policy change threats to its continuing existence. The project explored literature concerning the development of D&T, the changing policy context and investigated the views of D&T policy influencers. However, although this paper refers to aspects of this, in seeking to offer an example of how deeply held views may be uncovered and thereby compared, it focuses on the methodology developed, including dealing with central issues related to ‘researching-up’ (‘elites’) and of confidentiality. The study took a qualitative practice approach, privileging the voices of individuals, and techniques included interview-conversations. Difficulties in informing policy-making through such research emerged and the paper discusses aspects of this issue. It is proposed that a collaborative policyforming review should be taken forward

Using the Internet as an information gathering tool for the design and technology curriculum

The authors describe how the writing of case studies of industrial and commercial practice for the Nuffield Design and Technology Project for 14-16 year old students has led to the use of the Internet as an information gathering tool. They then describe how this experience led the National Centre for Educational Technology and the EdExcel Foundation to commission research to identify a range of web sites that could be used to source relevant information for the EdExcel Foundation design and technology GCSE coursework component 'An investigation into an existing product'. The focus of the research was primarily to identify sites which gave information about methods of manufacture and then to use this experience to gain an appreciation for the problems and opportunities that might face schools in enabling novice WWW users to access information through the Internet. The authors then consider whether these experiences can be developed into a generalisable/transferable model for using the Internet as an information gathering tool