Science, Art, and the Predispositions of Educational Researchers

Abstract

search? Dr. Mayer insists that educational research, whether qualitative or quantitative in nature, resides exclusively within the domain of science. his view, wandering outside of the clearly drawn boundaries of risks stepping in quantitative approaches such as those used in astrology, numerology, and phrenology, or qualitative ones such as those in the arts. Referring directly to arts-based approaches to educational research, Mayer writes, In my opinion ... it would be a grave mistake for educational researchers to turn their backs on science (p. 39). I want to suggest, however, that Dr. Mayer's objections to arts-based forms of educational research, like those of the many research traditionalists for whom he no doubt speaks, are not, fundamentally, about their non-scientific nature. It seems