A Cultural-Historical Activity Theory Approach for the Design of a Qualitative Methodology in Science Educational Research

Abstract

Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) was conceived and has been developed as an interventionist proposal and mostly as an analytical tool. The aim of this paper is to explore the connections between ontological and epistemological considerations underpinning CHAT and concrete research methodological decisions. We discuss how considerations of the philosophical basis of CHAT and more recent developments in philosophy can offer specific guidance to methodological decisions by exploring an example of research about using technology to teach in secondary science education. The explicit definition of the ontological character of activity, the status of the concept of transformation, or considering points of entry as an epistemological device suggest a possible logic to define data-gathering methods which could be generalised to other areas of CHAT research. We also discuss complementary frameworks, in particular the concept of identity, to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the complex and dynamic nature of the activity.