Perfect for graduate students as well as behavioural and social scientists who supervise and conduct research! In the fully updated Fourth Edition of their best-selling guide, Surviving Your Dissertation, Rudestam and Newton answer questions concerning every stage of the dissertation process, including: selecting a suitable topic conducting a literature review developing a research question understanding the role of theory selecting an appropriate methodology and research design analysing data interpreting and presenting results. In addition, this must-have guide covers topics that other dissertation guides often miss, such as the many types of quantitative and qualitative research models available, the principles of good scholarly writing, how to work with committees, how to meet IRB and ethical standards, and how to overcome task and emotional blocks. With plenty of current examples, the new edition features an expanded discussion of online research, data collection and analysis, and the use of data archives, as well as expanded coverage of qualitative methods and added information on mixed methods.
Discussing the issues that surround a range of statistical questions and controversies, the Second Edition reveals divergent perspectives on these issues and offers practical advice and examples for conducting statistical analyses that reflect the authors' interpretation of the consensual wisdom of the field. It is a compendium of statistical knowledge - some theoretical, some applied - that addresses those questions most frequently asked by students and colleagues struggling with statistical analyses.
The Handbook of Online Learning is a comprehensive reference text for teachers and administrators of online courses and programmes. It presents a discussion of the conceptual and theoretical foundations of online learning along with an exploration of practical implementation strategies. Key Features - It is the most comprehensive reference text available for teachers and administrators of online courses and programs - Emphasis on interactive teaching//learning strategies -- challenging people to think differently about pedagogy - Provides a strong theoretical base before discussing applications - Part I first presents the changing philosophies and theories of learning - Part II covers implementation or the practice of online learning - Several chapters deal with the issues related to the growing corporate online learning environment New to This Edition - Twelve new articles on the latest issues including topics such as psychology of online learning, training faculty, digital libraries, ethical dimensions in online learning, legal issues, course management systems and evolving technologies - Ten key articles retained from current edition are revised and updated to reflect current trends and changes in the field - Companion website with pertinent links and related information for each chapter - All contributors to the first edition were from the Fielding Institute; the second edition reaches beyond to scholars from other institutions for a more diverse collection Praise for the First Edition "The Fielding Institute authors apply an impressive wealth of organizational management theory and experience in their analyses of computer-mediated teaching and learning. The result is an enjoyable-to-read, fresh and lively book, delivering an abundance of ideas about how to establish a supportive learning environment, design a well structured course and manage electronically mediated dialog, -- in other words, how to successfully facilitate learning in the new context of on-line distance education." -Michael G. Moore, Pennsylvania State University and Editor, The American Journal of Distance Education "This book is a fascinating, comprehensive, revealing array of information about online learning. It is full of practical applications and significant implications for a future where online learning will play an increasingly larger role. It is essential for any library keeping up on online learning innovations." -Dr. Bernard J. Luskin, President and Co-CEO, GlobalLearningSystems, Inc. Visiting Professor, Claremont Graduate University "This book not only is that rare breed that addresses online learning in both higher education and corporate environments but every chapter is intriguing, informative, and accurately grounded. This book provides a comprehensive, timely, and informative look at online learning in higher education and corporate training settings. For an update on the state of e-learning in educational and training environments, simply read this book." -Curtis J. Bonk, Ph.D., Indiana University and Courseshare.com "Business and Learning have enjoyed a symbiotic relationship in our culture. The pace of change, however, has created separation between these two vital elements. The "Handbook of Online Learning" showcases the latest thinking and applications in learning delivery, and offers real promise that the gap is being bridged." -D.M. Verkest, AT&T Wireless Services, Vice-President-National Operations "The authors of this book are all experienced distance educators who know what the issues are: How are people engaged in teaching and learning at a distance "present" to one another? How do you create a community in the class? How can a teacher deal with an obstreperous student? What are the teaching//learning environments in universities and corporations as they affect distance education? The essays in this book inhabit the border where the idea of distance education meets the reality. The give practical advice and provide examples informed by both theory and experience." -Stanley Chodorow, Professor Emeritus, University of California, San Diego & Former CEO, California Virtual University
"The book is an excellent addition to those already available in the area and provides a very practical guide that students can pick up and use for reference throughout their dissertation process." -ESCalate (a Higher Education Academy Network publication) Like the previous editions of this bestselling text, Surviving Your Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process, Third Edition offers readers guidance that other dissertation guides often miss, from ways to improve one's writing, to identifying one's learning preferences, to dealing with emotional blocks. Using examples from a wide range of disciplines, the authors give readers expert advice on the entire dissertation process: selecting a suitable topic; conducting a literature review; managing data overload; building an argument; presenting the material, data, and results; and working with faculty committees. The entire text has been updated and fresh examples have been added to it. This edition features an up-to-the-minute discussion of online research and the use of software packages. The authors have expanded their coverage of qualitative work, and added information about the use of mixed methods to the book. These updates and more make the Third Edition of Surviving Your Dissertation a must have resource for graduate students. Key Features of the Third Edition: Walks readers through the dissertation process as an ideal mentor would. Devotes more attention to qualitative work, and touches upon mixed methods. Discusses online library resources and completing one's dissertation via the Internet. Features new material on the use of graphics. Includes information about informed consent forms.
"This volume will appeal to a wide array of readers, from novices to those already working in the field. Recommended for all collections." --CHOICE "Reference literature has been hard put to keep pace with its (distance learning) changes so the appearance of an Encyclopedia is most welcome. Recommended for academic and public libraries." ......
