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Doing Critical Policy Analysis in Education Research: An Emerging Paradigm

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Complementary Research Methods for Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Abstract

“The profound shifts taking place in contemporary social life require a shift in our research traditions” (Young, Am Educ Res J, 36:677–714, 1999, p. 705). The study of educational policy through a critical frame allows for a nuanced, holistic understanding of the complexities associated with education policy, from problem finding and framing to policy development, implementation, and evaluation. This chapter focuses on the practice of critical policy analysis within the field of education, including the theoretical and methodological approaches used by critical policy researchers. In addition to providing specific examples of critical policy studies, the chapter provides guidance for novice scholars who are interested in engaging in CPA and identifies a set of recommended readings.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Educational Leadership and Foundations, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA

    Michelle D. Young

  2. Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA

    Sarah Diem

Authors
  1. Michelle D. Young
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  2. Sarah Diem
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Correspondence to Michelle D. Young .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Education, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA

    Chad R. Lochmiller

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Young, M.D., Diem, S. (2018). Doing Critical Policy Analysis in Education Research: An Emerging Paradigm. In: Lochmiller, C. (eds) Complementary Research Methods for Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-93539-3_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-93539-3_5

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-93538-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-93539-3

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