Mathematical Images and Identities: Education, Entertainment and Social Justice, 2006-2007

UKDA study number:6097

Principal Investigators

Mendick, H.
Moreau, M.
London Metropolitan University. Institute for Policy Studies in Education
Epstein, D.
Cardiff University. School of Social Sciences

Sponsor

Economic and Social Research Council

Distributed by

UK Data Archive, University of Essex, Colchester.

February 2009

 

Bibliographic Citation

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Mendick, H., Epstein, D. and Moreau, M., Mathematical Images and Identities: Education, Entertainment and Social Justice, 2006-2007 [computer file]. Colchester, Essex: UK Data Archive [distributor], February 2009. SN: 6097, http://dx.doi.org/10.5255/UKDA-SN-6097-1.

 

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Copyright:
H. Mendick, M.P. Moreau and D. Epstein

 

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6097 . Mathematical Images and Identities: Education, Entertainment and Social Justice, 2006-2007

 

Depositor:

Mendick, H. , London Metropolitan University. Institute for Policy Studies in Education

Principal Investigators:

Mendick, H. , London Metropolitan University. Institute for Policy Studies in Education
Epstein, D. , Cardiff University. School of Social Sciences
Moreau, M. , London Metropolitan University. Institute for Policy Studies in Education

Sponsor:

Economic and Social Research Council
Grant Number: RES-000-23-1454

Abstract:

This mixed methods study investigated how popular cultural images of mathematics and mathematicians were used, the relationships that learners constructed with the subject and their gendered/classed/ethnic identities as ‘mathematicians’ or ‘non-mathematicians’.

Using a discursive approach, the research took place with Year 10 and Year 11 GCSE students and second and third year mathematics and humanities undergraduates. Both groups were about a year away from key choice points. This created the opportunity to look at whether and how popular culture is deployed in their choices to stay with or leave mathematics. A questionnaire was conducted with 656 school and university students to elicit information about which contemporary popular cultural forms were most significant for them. Using the questionnaire findings, an archive of popular images of mathematicians and mathematics was built up and analysed. Twenty-seven focus groups were then held and 49 participants were individually interviewed.

Further information about the project can be found on the Mathematical Images and Identities project web page and the ESRC Award web page.

Main Topics:

The main topics include:

Coverage:


Dates of Fieldwork: May 2006 - May 2007
Country: England
Spatial Units: No spatial unit
Observation Units: Individuals; Groups
Kind of Data: Textual data; Numeric data; Individual (micro) level; Semi-structured interview transcripts; Focus Group transcripts

Universe Sampled:

Location of Units of Observation: National
Population: Learners of mathematics in years 10 and 11, and undergraduates and postgraduates in mathematics, social sciences and humanities in England, 2006-2007.

Methodology:

Time Dimensions: Cross-sectional (one-time) study
Sampling Procedures: Purposive selection/case studies
Number of Units: 656 survey respondents (556 Year 10 students; 100 undergraduates;
49 semi structured individual interviews (26 Year 11 students, 23 undergraduates);
27 focus groups (15 with Year 10 and 11 students, 12 with undergraduates)
Method of Data Collection: Face-to-face interview; Self-completion; Focus group
Weighting: No weighting used

Language(s) of Written Materials:

Study Description: English
Study Documentation: English

Access:

Access Conditions: The depositor has specified that registration is required. Available to all registered users. The depositor may be informed about usage.
Availability: ESDS Qualidata, UK Data Archive
Contact: Help desk: qualidata@esds.ac.uk

Date of First Release:

6 February 2009

Copyright:

H. Mendick, M.P. Moreau and D. Epstein


File last updated:

31 October 2011