Vygotsky and Research

This book provides readers with an overview of the implications for research of the theoretical work which acknowledges a debt to the writings of L.S. Vygotsky. A concise introduction to Vygotsky's original thesis and discussions on his approach to research methods is given; this is followed by an exploration of the research practices which have arisen in fields developed on the basis of his original thesis. These include: Socio-cultural studies with a focus on mediated action; Distributed Cognition, Situated Cognition and Activity Theory. To aid understanding, chapters devoted to each area will provide excellent accounts of specific studies which illustrate the underlying methodological principles and the specific methods which are being deployed. In each case assumptions and limitations are discussed. The book concludes with some proposals for future developments at both methodological and conceptual levels.

Harry Daniels is Professor of Education: Culture and Pedagogy and Director of Centre for Sociocultural and Activity Research Theory at the University of Bath, UK.

1. An Introduction to the Work of L.S Vygotsky 2. Dual Stimulation and the 'Vygotsky Blocks' 3. Sociocultural Approach to Research 4. Situated Cognition and Situated Learning Research Approaches 5. Research and Distributed Cognition 6. Cultural Historical Activity Theory 7. Reflection