Documentary-based research (sometimes called desk-based research) is just as valid as any other research method, so long as it fits the purpose of the study in question. It is an attractive method to those influenced by postmodern or poststructuralist approaches in understanding

This year I wrote ‘Research and education’ with Will Curtis and Sam Shields and it was published last month by Routledge. Given the pressures of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) I have to admit I thought twice about producing a textbook ostensibly