Complete thesis - Murdoch University

• data collection is broadly focussed, and facilitates an approach that draws from thegrounded theory methodology. It allows a dynamic adaptation of both the interventionand data collection based on a continuous interplay between data collection and analysis.In effect, the data drives an emergent intervention. This eschewing of manipulationenables a disciplined extraction of a description of behaviour. It also provides an advantagein generating relevant and valid knowledge for the context under investigation,minimising bias created by artificial action on the part of the participants in responseto a focus on predefined variables and links – the data ‘speaks’. This use of multiplesources also facilitates an effort to triangulate• learning is an explicit outcome: the study is conducted in the researcher’s culture. Iwas involved in both in the planning and the practice of the interventions, as well astheir interpretation. I may be considered to have a stake in the approaches taken, andhence exhibit ‘cultural blindness’. However, the personal involvement of the researcheris seen to provide valuable insight as ’cultural insider’ with regard to the context ofthe study – the concept of insider research helps in the gathering of ‘rich’ data. Theiteration of cycles is also seen to assist in reducing potential distortions in the findingscaused by over-involvement, while peer review through publication enables externalevaluation of the findings of the study.The measures taken, while not exhaustive, demonstrate that the research fulfills to a largeextent the criteria set out for its evaluation.9.3.2 Limitations of the researchA major limitation of the study is the inability to continue interacting with and monitoringthe model developed in the final cycle in RE education – as of November 2005 the programmeof study for the BE(SE) at Murdoch University was terminated. However, Design Studioscontinue to be the applied throughout third and fourth year units in Engineering, withincreased stakeholder commitment. A School review undertaken by the University, at theend of the first academic year of Design Studios, acknowledged staff and student satisfactionwith Studio Learning, and recommended that the model be applied throughout the School (ienot just to Engineering) (Lawrance et al, 2005). Longitudinal monitoring with data collectionwill go some way towards confirming these initial findings and perceptions.Within the time frame of this study, several of the Engineering programmes were professionallyre-accredited by Engineers Australia. While this may not appear significant, the reviewof the proposal (as opposed to post-implementation) for Design Studios attracted favourable405