An Introduction to Educational Research

Chad Lochmiller is currently an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. He received a Ph.D. from the University of Washington in 2010 with a specialization in leadership, policy, and organizations. His research currently focuses on issues related to K-12 educational leadership. Broadly, his research explores how leaders develop capacity to effect positive changes in teaching and learning. His research has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals and in edited volumes. Furthermore, his teaching supports certification, masters, and doctoral students in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.

Written specifically for education practitioners, An Introduction to Educational Research: Connecting Methods to Practice approaches research methods from a practice-first perspective that aligns research with professional experiences and identifies the tools and resources readers can use when conducting their own research. Throughout the book, the authors illuminate complex research concepts using problems of practice confronting educators to help readers make meaningful connections with key concepts and research practices. The authors present balanced coverage across research methodologies that is linked to practice, so readers clearly see research as a tool they can use to improve classrooms, schools, districts, and educational organizations.

Part I: Examining the Foundations of Educational ResearchChapter 1: Studying Education Practice with Research Practitioner-Scholars Defined Using Problems of Practice to Frame Research An Overview of the Problems of Practice The Purposes and Types of Educational Research Research Paradigms Defining Research Methodologies and Research MethodsChapter 2: Designing a Research Study The Overarching Research Process Designing a Research StudyChapter 3: Reviewing the Literature The Importance of the Literature Review Unpacking the Literature Review Difference between Qualitative and Quantitative Literature Reviews The Process of Conducting a Literature Review Staying Organized and Updated: A Few Reminders Using Technology to Complete the Literature ReviewChapter 4: Considering Research Ethics Ethics and Educational Research Legal and Institutional Ethical Requirements Managing Research Relationships with Schools and Districts Considering Ethics Across the Research Process Emerging Ethical ChallengesPart II: Considering Approaches to Educational ResearchChapter 5: Introducing Qualitative Research Characteristics of Qualitative Research Qualitative MethodologiesChapter 6: Introducing Quantitative Research Quantitative Research: Aims and Purposes Characteristics of Quantitative Research Quantitative Research DesignsChapter 7: Collecting Qualitative and Quantitative Data Sampling Strategies Site Access and Participant Recruitment Collecting Qualitative Data Collecting Quantitative Data Considering Technology Tools to Support Data CollectionChapter 8: Completing Qualitative Data Analysis Defining Qualitative Data Analysis: Aims and Purposes Carrying Out Qualitative Data Analysis Issues of Validity in Qualitative Research Technology that Supports Qualitative Data AnalysisChapter 9: Completing Quantitative Data Analysis Quantitative Data Analysis: A Cyclical Approach Descriptive statistics: Identifying Patterns, Trends, and Frequencies Calculating Inferential Statistics A Few of The Most Common Statistical Tests Identifying Missing or Out-of-Range Data Reliability and Validity in Quantitative Research Technology that Supports Quantitative Data AnalysisChapter 10: Introducing Mixed Methods Research and Analysis Defining Mixed Methods Research Characteristics of Mixed Methods Research Mixed Methods Research Designs Models of Mixed Methods Research Selecting a Fixed or Emergent Mixed Methods Design Beyond Selecting a Mixed Methods Model Carrying Out a Mixed Methods Study Mixed Methods AnalysisChapter 11: Introducing Action Research Overview of Action Research The Action Research Cycle Unique Considerations for Action Research Using Technology in Action ResearchPart III: Producing Research to Improve PracticeChapter 12: Writing the Research Engaging in the Academic Writing Process The Basic Structure of a Research Report Formulating Arguments and Presenting Findings Technologies to Support Writing and Disseminating ResearchChapter 13: Using and Sharing Research to Improve Practice Revisiting the Meaning of Practitioner-Scholarship Technologies to Support Sharing Research Summarizing the Research Process and the Methodologies Presented Returning to the Place We Began: Problems of Practice Conclusion