"The authors did an excellent job of engaging students by being empathetic to their anxieties while taking a research design course. The authors also present a convincing case of the relevancies of research in daily life by showing how information was used or misused to affect our personal and professional decisions." -Cherng-Jyh Yen, George Washington University A practice-oriented, non-mathematical approach to understanding, planning, conducting, and interpreting research in education Practical and applied, Designing and Conducting Research in Education is the perfect first step for students who will be consuming research as well as for those who will be actively involved in conducting research. Readers will find up-to-date examinations of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research approaches which have emerged as important components in the toolbox of educational research. Real-world situations are presented in each chapter taking the reader through various challenges often encountered in the world of educational research. Key Features: Examines quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research approaches, which have emerged as important components in the toolbox of educational research Explains each step of the research process very practically to help students plan and conduct a research project in education Applies research in real-world situations by taking the reader through various challenges often encountered in field settings Includes a chapter on ethical issues in conducting research Provides a Student study sitethat offers the opportunity to interact with contemporary research articles in education Instructor Resources on CD provide a Computerized test bank, Sample Syllabi, General Teaching Tips and more Intended audience: This book provides an introduction to research that emphasizes the fundamental concepts of planning and design. The book is designed to be a core text for the very first course on research methods. In some fields the first course is offered at an undergraduate level whereas in others it is a beginning graduate class. "The book is perfect for introductory students. The language is top notch, the examples are helpful, and the graphic features (tables, figures) are uncomplicated and contain important information in an easy-to-understand format. Excellent text!" -John Huss, Northern Kentucky University "Designing and Conducting Research in Education is written in a style that is conducive to learning for the type of graduate students we teach here in the College of Education. I appreciate the 'friendly' tone and concise writing that the authors utilize." -Steven Harris, Tarleton State University "A hands on, truly accessible text on how to design and conduct research" -Joan P. Sebastian, National University
Preface Part I: Overview of Research Chapter 1: The Foundations of Research Chapter Objectives Perspectives on Educational Research Defining Ways of Conducting Research Foundations of Research Research Types and Methods in Brief The Research Process Summary About Simulations Simulation 1.1 Chapter 2: The Research Process Chapter Objectives Finding a Topic to Research Steps in the Scientific Method Summary Simulation 2.1 Chapter 3: Ethical Issues in Conducting Research Chapter Objectives Ensuring the Protection of Human Participants Ethical Considerations in Quantitative and Qualitative Research Monitoring Ethics in Research: Institutional Review Boards Ethics and Professionalism Summary Simulation 3.1 Chapter 4: Participant Selection and Assignment Chapter Objectives Participant Selection Participant Assignment Summary Simulation 4.1 Chapter 5: Measures and Instruments Chapter Objectives Selection and Definition of Criterion Measures Instruments or Tasks Summary Simulation 5.1 Part II: Research Methods and Designs Chapter 6: Quantitative Research Methodologies Chapter Objectives Defining Quantitative Research Basic Experimental Design Formats Traditional Group Experimental Designs After the Design: Analysis and Interpretation Summary Simulation 6.1 Chapter 7: Designing Non-Experimental Research Chapter Objectives Defining Experimental and Non-Experimental Research Survey Research Observation Studies Summary Simulation 7.1 Chapter 8: Introduction to Qualitative Research and Mixed-Methods Design Chapter Objectives An Overview of Qualitative Research Mixed Methods Summary Simulation 8.1 Chapter 9: Research Design Pitfalls Chapter Objectives Types of Design Validity Threats to Experimental Design Validity Standards of Rigor Summary Simulation 9.1 Part III: Data Analysis and Results Interpretation Chapter 10: Statistics Choices Statistics: What and Why The Decision Tree: Moving from the Question to the Analysis The Importance of Data Type in Selecting Statistics Summary Simulation 10.1 Simulation 10.2 Chapter 11: Data Tabulation Chapter Objectives Aggregating Data Tables Graphing Data Summary Simulation 11.1 Chapter 12: Descriptive Statistics Chapter Objectives Categories of Descriptive Statistics Summary Simulation 12.1 Simulation 12.2 Chapter 13: Inferential Statistics Chapter Objectives General Background of Inferential Statistics Difference Questions: Which Statistic and When Relationship Questions: Which Statistic and When Summary Simulation 13.1 Simulation 13.2 Chapter 14: Analyzing Qualitative Data Chapter Objectives Preliminary Analysis Post Data-Gathering Analysis Inductive and Deductive Analyses Phenomenological Analytical Techniques Reporting Qualitative Research Summary Simulation 14.1 Chapter 15: Interpreting Results Research as an Integrated Process Interpretation of Results Acquiring Interpretation Skills for Research Summary Simulation 15.1 Appendix A: Table of Random Numbers References Glossary/Index
"These authors have done a masterful job in unpacking the fundamental issues in research and disciplined inquiry. They consistently help their readers to understand that in research, as in life, it essentially boils down to validity and reliability." -Wayne H. Slater, University of Maryland "The authors achieve an authentic voice in their text. They explain concepts clearly and concisely, while providing appropriate examples to support their assertions. Finally, the authors engage the novice researcher (or consumer of research) with engaging ideas and prose . . . they consistently unpack complex, abstract concepts in a clear, lucid fashion." -Wayne H. Slater, University of Maryland -- Wayne H. Slater "The book is perfect for introductory students and does not swim in its own self-importance. The language is top notch, the examples are helpful, and the graphic features (tables, figures) are uncomplicated and contain important information in an easy-to-understand format." -John A. Huss, Northern Kentucky University -- John A. Huss "The simulations and activities provide valuable engaging experiences for a range of "school leaders." They are well thought through and provide reflection on issues ranging from confidentiality to professional ethics." -James E. Barr, Nicholls State University -- James E. Barr "The Student Workbook and Simulated Problems is a valuable component that clearly differentiates this research textbook from others. I highly recommend this workbook as a valuable component to any research course, regardless of level. The book's treatment of time-series designs is also valuable." -Alfred P. Rovai, Regent University -- Alfred P. Rovai
