Methods in Educational Research
Methods in Educational Research is designed to prepare students for the real world of educational research. It focuses on scientifically-based methods, school accountability, and the professional demands of the twenty-first century, empowering researchers to take an active role in conducting research in their classrooms, districts, and the greater educational community. Like the first edition, this edition helps students, educators, and researchers develop a broad and deep understanding of research methodologies. It includes substantial new content on the impact of No Child Left Behind legislation, school reform, quantitative and qualitative methodologies, logic modeling, action research, and other areas. Special features to assist the teaching and learning processes include vignettes illustrating research tied to practice, suggested readings at the end of each chapter, and discussion questions to reinforce chapter content.
Praise for the Previous Edition
"A new attempt to make this subject more relevant and appealing to students. Most striking is how useful this book is because it is really grounded in educational research. It is very well written and quite relevant for educational researchers or for the student hoping to become one." -PsycCRITIQUES/American Psychological Association
"I applaud the authors for their attempt to cover a wide range of material. The straightforward language of the book helps make the material understandable for readers." -Journal of MultiDisciplinary Evaluation
Table of Contents:
Boxes, Exhibits, Figures, and Tables ix
Preface xix
Acknowledgments xxiii
The Authors xxv
1 Introduction to Educational Research 1
Chapter Objectives 1
Educational Accountability and Educational Research 2
Conducting Educational Research 10
Philosophical Frameworks for Educational Research 13
Research Ethics 17
2 Types of Educational Research Designs and Related Major Concepts 25
Chapter Objectives 25
Types of Approaches Used in Educational Research 26
3 Descriptive Statistics 47
Chapter Objectives 47
Characteristics of Data 48
Summarizing Data Using Descriptive Statistics 50
4 Educational Measurement: Archival Data and Standardized Instruments 81
Chapter Objectives 81
Measurement in Education 82
Evaluating the Quality of Standardized Instruments: Reliability and Validity 95
Issues in Finding and Using Standardized Instruments 104
5 Qualitative Measures and Procedures 115
Chapter Objectives 115
Characteristics of Qualitative Measurement 116
Sampling in Qualitative Research 138
6 Qualitative Research 145
Chapter Objectives 145
Research Vignette 146
Understanding Qualitative Research 146
Steps in Designing Qualitative Research 165
Evaluating Narrative Inquiry and Phenomenological Research 171
7 Organization and Analysis of Qualitative Data 185
Chapter Objectives 185
Analysis of Qualitative Data 186
Steps in Analyzing Qualitative Data 186
8 Descriptive Survey Research: Quantitative Research 205
Chapter Objectives 205
Research Vignette 206
Characteristics of Descriptive Survey Research 206
Steps in Conducting Descriptive Survey Research 209
Evaluating Descriptive Survey Research 231
9 Experimental Research 237
Chapter Objectives 237
Research Vignette 238
Understanding Experimental Research 238
Steps in Planning and Conducting Experimental Research 240
Threats to Experimental Validity 252
Single-Subject Research Designs 264
10 Nonexperimental Approaches: Causal-Comparative and Correlational Research 277
Chapter Objectives 277
Research Vignette 278
Causal-Comparative Research 278
Correlational Research 284
Multiple Regression Studies 301
11 Inferential Statistics 307
Chapter Objectives 307
Beyond Descriptive Statistics: Inferential Statistics 308
Steps in Analyzing Data Using Inferential Tests 317
Designs with More than One Independent or Dependent Variable 320
12 Action Research 325
Chapter Objectives 325
Research Vignette 326
Understanding Action Research 327
Steps in Conducting Action Research 336
Data Sources for Action Research 345
Evaluation of Action Research 362
13 Program Evaluation in Education 377
Chapter Objectives 377
Research Vignette 378
What Is Program Evaluation? 379
Types, Approaches, and Models of Program Evaluation 387
Steps in Designing Program Evaluation 391
Program Evaluation Data and Critiquing Evaluation Reports 392
Training and Careers in Program Evaluation 394
14 Identifying and Researching a Topic 399
Chapter Objectives 399
Getting Started 400
Identify a Research Topic 400
Refine Your Topic as You Search 403
Search the Literature 406
Identify and Summarize Key Information from Articles 421
When Do I Have Enough? 422
15 The Research Proposal 427
Chapter Objectives 427
Preparing a Research Proposal 428
References 445
Appendix A 453
Appendix B 487
Index 517
About the Author :
Marguerite G. Lodico, EdD, is a professor at the College of Saint Rose where she teaches child development and educational research.
Dean T. Spaulding, PhD, is an associate professor at the College of Saint Rose where he teaches educational research and program evaluation.
Katherine H. Voegtle, PhD, is a professor at the College of Saint Rose where she teaches courses in human development, educational research, and educational psychology.
