ABSTRACT
This chapter explores two approaches to policy analysis within the broad field of STEM education research. Specifically, the chapter focuses on the use of thematic policy analysis and ‘ideal types’ as analytical tools to explore dominant ideologies. Through the use of illustrative examples from within the literature, this chapter aims to illuminate both of these methodological approaches to policy analysis. While the text describes and critiques these different approaches to policy analysis, it is deliberately designed not to be prescriptive. The importance of appropriate alignment between the specific research questions being explored and the methodological approach employed are stressed throughout.
