Offers readers with an overview of the implications for research of the theoretical work which acknowledges a debt to the writings of LS Vygotsky. This book gives an introduction to Vygotsky's original thesis and discussions on his approach to research methods.

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 in 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.

• Chapter 1. An introduction to Vygotskian theory Chapter 2. An overview of research undertaken by Vygotsky and some of his colleagues Chapter 3. The sociocultural tradition Chapter 4. Researching distributed congnition Chapter 5. Situated action and communities of practice Chater 6. Activity Theory and interventionist research Chapter 7. Institutions and beyond