Routledge 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. Review 'Harry Daniels' Vygotsky and Research goes far beyond his 2001 book, Vygotsky and Pedagogy. Think again, if you are tempted to regard this new book as a mere re-statement of its predecessor, because you would thereby miss a tour de force. This richly sustained commentary is an analytical review of ideas whose origin was, in part, in Vygotsky's own work, but whose development continues to be due to the on-going and expansive work of his successors.' Leslie Smith, Research Papers in Education About the Author University of Bath, UK