This user-friendly text takes a learn-by-doing approach to exploring research design issues in education and psychology, offering evenhanded coverage of quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, and single-case designs. Readers learn the basics of different methods and steps for critically examining any study's design, data, and conclusions, using sample peer-reviewed journal articles as practice opportunities. The text is unique in featuring full chapters on survey methods, evaluation, reliability and validity, action research, and research syntheses.
Pedagogical Features
*An exemplar journal article at the end of each methods chapter, together with questions and activities for critiquing it (including, where applicable, checklist forms to identify threats to internal and external validity), plus lists of additional research examples.
*Research example boxes showing how studies are designed to address particular research questions.
*In every chapter: numbered chapter objectives, bulleted summaries, subheadings written as questions, a running glossary, and end-of-chapter discussion questions.
* Electronic Instructor's Resource Manual with Test Bank, provided separately--includes chapter outlines; answers to exercises, discussion questions, and illustrative example questions; and PowerPoints.
This user-friendly text takes a learn-by-doing approach to exploring research design issues in education and psychology, offering evenhanded coverage of quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, and single-case designs. Readers learn the basics of different methods and steps for critically examining any study's design, data, and conclusions, using sample peer-reviewed journal articles as practice opportunities. The text is unique in featuring full chapters on survey methods, evaluation, reliability and validity, action research, and research syntheses.
Pedagogical Features Include:
*An exemplar journal article at the end of each methods chapter, together with questions and activities for critiquing it (including, where applicable, checklist forms to identify threats to internal and external validity), plus lists of additional research examples.
*Research example boxes showing how studies are designed to address particular research questions.
*In every chapter: numbered chapter objectives, bulleted summaries, subheadings written as questions, a running glossary, and end-of-chapter discussion questions.
* Electronic Instructor's Resource Manual with Test Bank, provided separately--includes chapter outlines; answers to exercises, discussion questions, and illustrative example questions; and PowerPoints.
Each chapter in this book is well organized, with good examples, suggested readings, and other helpful materials.--Hisako Matsuo, PhD, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Saint Louis UniversityUnlike many other texts, this book covers each topic with consistent depth. Great features include a thorough chapter on program evaluation, which many texts don't offer; coverage of reliability and validity early in the book (I love the section on things to consider about measurement devices!); and the best presentation of qualitative research that I have seen in any text. I like how qualitative research and quantitative research are presented separately instead of being merged in a confusing fashion. I will definitely consider adopting this text.--Melody Whiddon, PhD, College of Education, Florida International UniversityThis accessible book does the best job of any text I've seen of making the dynamic nature of research designs come to life for educational researchers. I teach two research methods classes--one for doctoral students and the others for master's students--and I will use this book for both. It covers the right material, has a solid structure within chapters, and includes some nuts-and-bolts material not available in other texts.--Eleazar Vasquez III, PhD, BCBA-D, Exceptional Education Program, University of Central Florida This book is an easy read, full of good examples and well-thought-out approaches. The authors have brought extensive experience to bear on creating a very effective text. I look forward to using this text in my graduate course in research for speech-language pathologists.--Anthony P. Salvatore, PhD, Director, Speech-Language Pathology Program, and Chair, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Texas, El Paso This clear, detailed volume provides a comprehensive look at the elements that help novice researchers become more critical consumers of research. I like the graphic organizers and the use of discussion questions and exercises. These tools help the instructor ensure that students understand the topics and allow for a variety of different learning styles. When I teach educational research courses, I often have to locate related articles on my own; I appreciate that the authors have taken the time to provide related articles. This text is just the right level for my graduate students.--Tracy M. Walker, PhD, Department of Doctoral Studies, Virginia State UniversityThis text delivers exactly what it claims: it teaches students how to consume and understand research. The comprehensive coverage of all types of empirical inquiry is truly impressive and second to none. Advanced undergraduates and graduate students at the master's and doctoral levels will greatly appreciate the book's treatment of both the fundamentals and nuances of most types of research designs. This text will enlighten and more than satisfy the most inquisitive educational research consumer.--Edward J. Sabornie, PhD, Graduate Program in Special Education, North Carolina State University-
