Video research: purposeful selection from rich data sets

In this chapter we discuss the methodological challenges and affordances of a rich and extensive video data set when using micro-ethnographic research methods, and propose ways of working with such data sets to generate meaningful and robust insights into teaching and learning processes. We argue that working with such a data set necessitates the operation of ‘purposeful partiality’ achieved through ‘active viewing’, selecting an ‘example’, and understanding ‘video as a field’.