Teaching research methods for doctoral students in education: learning to enquire in the university

Abstract

This study explores research methodology courses and their potential impact on the doctoral process in one university in Spain. Specifically, it analyses the role and usefulness of research methodologies courses for students as they prepare for their dissertation work. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews with 11 students. Syllabi from five different doctoral programmes and 54 educational research projects conducted by students were also analysed. Contrary to prior research, our results indicate that students are motivated and interested in methodological matters. These courses are a valuable component to the doctoral programme providing general orientation to inquiry and aiding students in becoming educational researchers. Furthermore, we found that methodological pluralism was adopted and used by students in their research projects when this same pluralism was covered in their coursework. Implications for teaching research methodology courses are included.