Educational Research: Planning, Conducting, and Evaluating Quantitative and Qualitative Research

This groundbreaking book is the first introduction of its kind to offer a balanced, inclusive, and integrated overview in the field of educational research. It comprehensively addresses both quantitative and qualitative approaches to educational research and applies them to the process of research. The book begins by introducing the general process of research in six steps. Within this context, it describes both quantitative and qualitative approaches in detail. It closes with eight research designs—experimental, correlational, survey, grounded theory, ethnography, narrative, mixed method, and action research—to implement the process. For individuals involved in any facet of research for their professional or academic careers.

The first introduction to educational research text to offer a truly balanced, inclusive, and integrated overview of the field as it currently stands. The book's coverage is unique not only in its balanced coverage of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method research designs but also in its examination of the research process from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives.

Provides Balanced Coverage of Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Method Research. Looks at the process simultaneously from both a quantitative and qualitative perspective. Frequently compares and contrasts quantitative and qualitative approaches so that students understand nuances of the process from each perspective. Gives in-depth coverage of several key design types, including experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, survey, grounded theory, ethnographic, narrative research, mixed method, and action research.

Helps Students Learn How to Begin to Do Research. Six fundamental steps of research are discussed with concrete examples in the eight chapters in the "Steps in the Research Process" section of the text. Sample scripts, helpful guidelines, and "Useful Information for Producers of Research" checklists are provided to support students' research efforts and to aid learning. In addition, a beginning researcher's experience designing and conducting a study is followed throughout the book to give students a realistic perspective.

Helps Students Learn How to Read and Evaluate Research Studies. Annotated research articles, including one within each design chapter, help students become more skilled at interpreting and evaluating research. Marginal annotations help students understand the structures of articles and key issues to look for and consider. The "Useful Information for Consumers of Research" feature appearing in each chapter offers concrete guidance in interpreting and evaluating research.