Literacy Research Methodologies

Balanced and authoritative, this volume brings together leading experts to present 13 methodologies widely used in literacy research. Following a consistent format, each chapter describes the methodology at hand, identifies the types of questions and claims for which it is well suited, delineates clear standards for quality, and presents one or more exemplary studies using the methodology. Guiding readers to choose wisely from available methodologies when designing their own research endeavors--and to understand the contributions that each mode of inquiry can generate--this is an essential text for graduate students in literacy. It is also an ideal resource for more experienced researchers seeking to build their skills for utilizing or evaluating particular approaches.

Nell K. Duke, EdD, is Associate Professor of Teacher Education and Educational Psychology, and Co-Director of the Literacy Achievement Research Center (msularc.org) at Michigan State University, East Lansing. Her research focuses on early literacy development, particularly among children living in poverty. Her specific areas of expertise include development of informational literacies in young children, comprehension development and instruction in early schooling, and issues of equity in literacy education. She has used a variety of research methodologies in her own work and teaches courses on research design. Dr. Duke has a strong interest in the preparation of educational researchers and has published and presented on this topic.

Marla H. Mallette, PhD, is Associate Professor of Literacy Education at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Her research interests include literacy teacher education, literacy instruction and learning with students of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and the convergence of early literacy and technology. She is very interested in research methodologies and has used various methodologies in her own work. Dr. Mallette has also published and presented on literacy research methodologies and the preparation of literacy researchers.