ABSTRACT
The ten Controversies in this book illustrate the way issues are con ceived, enquiry planned and results published by reference to distinct ive research traditions. The emphasis has been on the scientistic and interpretive with the critical always present. These are not just philo sophies and consequent procedures. They are convictions held by groups that support members. These are labelled reference groups, scientific communities, disciplines, paradigms, networks and so on, indicating the way members share beliefs and techniques, careers and publications that lead them to distinctive styles of research and publication. Above all, they review and hence validate one another’s work. This can get cosy, but rival groups will usually ensure sufficient criticism. This will also come from professionals, practitioners, inspectors, administrators, politicians using very different criteria for assessment and, where neces sary, providing support against researchers.
