ABSTRACT
In all developed countries including the UK, and most other countries, education is a huge industry. This chapter describes the range of evidence that exists relevant to educational studies, and discusses how to locate, read, and use such evidence. The evidence exists in publicly available datasets as well as in the writings of others. The chapter introduces some generic methods of assessing the quality and usefulness of evidence, including a key quality control principle. The chapter outlines some ideas for future research. Education is also the only major area of public policy which is compulsory for all citizens – hospitals are for the unwell, prisons are for offenders, benefits are intended for a disadvantaged minority, and so on. But everyone is required by law to attend school, or to make equivalent arrangements at home. Education is held responsible by policy-makers for a bewildering range of phenomena including the economy, social mobility, social cohesion, and social justice.
