Introduction to Educational Research

The newSecond Edition ofIntroduction to Educational Research expertly guides readers through the steps of the research methods process to help them plan and compose their first educational research project. With a conversational writing style, author Craig A. Mertler covers all aspects of the research process and addresses a wide range of research methodologies, including: Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed-Methods, and Action Research. No prior familiarity with the principles, procedures, or terminology of educational research is required, allowing novice students to clearly understand research concepts and learn to effectively apply them in their own studies.

The Second Edition ofIntroduction to Educational Research expertly guides readers through the steps of the research methods process to help them plan and compose their first educational research project. With a conversational writing style, author Craig A. Mertler covers all aspects of the research process and addresses a wide range of research methodologies, including: Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed-Methods, and Action Research. No prior familiarity with the principles, procedures, or terminology of educational research is required, allowing novice students to clearly understand research concepts and learn to effectively apply them in their own studies.
 
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Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
PART I. INITIAL RESEARCH CONSIDERATIONS
Chapter 1. What Is Educational Research?
Finding Answers to Questions
The Scientific Method
Educational Research—What It Is and What It Is Not
Educational Research as a Process
Knowing Your Specific Discipline
Educators as Researchers
Chapter 2. Overview of the Educational Research Process
Identifying and Limiting a Research Topic or Problem
Formally Stating and Refining Research Question(s)
Reviewing Existing Literature Related to the Problem
Writing a Literature Review
Developing a Research Plan
Implementing the Research Plan and Collecting Data
Analyzing the Data
Stating Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations in a Written Research Report
The Educational Research Process—A Brief Example
Chapter 3. Identifying a Research Problem
Identifying a Research Topic or Problem
Necessary Terminology Related to Research
Research Questions and Hypotheses
Chapter 4. Ethics in Educational Research
Ethical Considerations in the Conduct of Research
Ethics in Qualitative Versus Quantitative Studies
Institutional Review Boards
Formal Preparation for Research with Human Participants
Chapter 5. Reviewing Related Research Literature
What Is a Literature Review?
Sources for Literature Related to Your Research Topic
Searching the ERIC Online Database
Searching the Google Scholar Online Database
Writing Your Literature Review
Not Just for Conducting Research—Valuable Sources for Professional Development
PART II. DESIGNING A RESEARCH STUDY
Chapter 6. Qualitative Research Methods
Characteristics of Qualitative Research
The Qualitative Research Process
Approaches to Conducting Qualitative Research
More About Ethnographic Research
More About Narrative Research
Chapter 7. Quantitative Research Methods
Characteristics of Quantitative Research
The Quantitative Research Process
Nonexperimental Research Designs
Experimental Research Designs
Threats to Validity in Quantitative Designs
Chapter 8. Mixed-Methods Research
Characteristics of Mixed-Methods Research
The Mixed-Methods Research Process
Approaches to Conducting Mixed-Methods Research
Validity in Mixed-Methods Research
Strengths and Limitations of Mixed-Methods Research
Chapter 9. Action Research
Characteristics of Action Research
The Action Research Process
Action Planning and Reflection
Validity in Action Research
Strengths and Limitations of Action Research
Chapter 10. Writing a Research Proposal
Purpose of a Research Proposal
General Aspects of a Research Proposal
Components of a Quantitative Research Proposal
Components of a Qualitative Research Proposal
Proposals for Action Research and Mixed-Methods Studies
PART III. COLLECTING AND ANALYZING DATA
Chapter 11. Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis
Sampling Techniques in Qualitative Research
Qualitative Data Collection Techniques
Characteristics of Qualitative Data: Accuracy, Credibility, and Dependability
Qualitative Data Analysis Techniques
Chapter 12. Quantitative Data Collection
Sampling Techniques in Quantitative Research
Scales of Measurement
Quantitative Data Collection Techniques
Characteristics of Quantitative Data: Validity and Reliability
Chapter 13. Quantitative Data Analysis
Quantitative Data Analysis Techniques
PART IV. THE RESEARCH REPORT
Chapter 14. Writing a Final Research Report
Importance of the Audience
General Guidelines for Writing a Research Report
Practical Guidelines for Writing
An Example of a Research Report
Appendix: Teachers’ Perceptions of the Influence of No Child Left Behind on Classroom Practices
Glossary
References
Index