ABSTRACT
What research methods are appropriate to studying the nature of an investigative approach to mathematics teaching? How does one decide? What issues does this raise? What consequences are there for the research process? In this chapter I shall address these questions from a methodological perspective for the research project as a whole. Although it may be possible to discuss the methods used in a research study in isolation from other aspects of the research, I have found it unrealistic to try to do this. I have found research methodology here an integral part of the research itself, closely bound up in the theory and practice of the research enquiry. Therefore this chapter will draw on theoretical aspects of the research process as well as methodological issues, and subsequent chapters which focus on classroom observations will continue the methodological discussion.
