41
APPENDIX III
Principles of Methodology
This appendix discusses the principles and practice of the methodological
stance adopted throughout the study.
This was
illuminative evaluation’
discussed by Parlett and Hamilton in 1972 which stressed that the process
involved the conception
development and communication of relevant
information to be used in the decision making process in relation to the
particul
programme.
Parlett and Hamilton specify quite clearly that this is required when it
is felt that conventional methodological approaches are seen as inadequate
in unravelling the complexities of the situation and in failing to confront
that complexity are not likely to help the decision-making process.
The decision making referred to exists at three levels and most important
for
this
study
was
the
direction
progress
and
development of
the
innovation
itself, which
required a way
of
reflecting
and
a kind of
knowledge
hat was difficult, if not impossible
to generate in the course
of
teaching.
Evaluation
was
being
developed without
any
necessary
pressure
for
consideration of
large scale
application
and
indeed
the
relatively small
scale of the
innovation allowed for the development of
sensitivity to the essential parameters of its change.
The second level was the requirement of the university as validating body
for evaluation to take place
not to ensure funding but to enable the