ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the methodological framework for this research. First, Critical Realism is presented as the research paradigm underlying the ontological and epistemological assumptions of this study. Next, phenomenography as the qualitative research approach is introduced. This approach is adopted on the grounds that its perspective of reality is consistent with the critical realist stance as in phenomenographic research, and as the relationality of the object and the knower is also essential in order to gain a more developed understanding regarding the object. Subsequently, the learning study model as a method of investigation is described. This is followed by the presentation of the research design, including the process of and justification for the sampling, the data collection methods as well as explanation of the data analysis process. Finally, ethical concerns and trustworthiness of the study are discussed.
