Methods in Educational Research: From Theory to Practice(28 Research Methods for the Social Sciences)

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 9 Philosophical Frameworks for Educational Research 13 Research Ethics 16 2 Types of Educational Research Designs and Related Major Concepts 23 Chapter Objectives 23 Types of Approaches Used in Educational Research 24 3 Descriptive Statistics 45 Chapter Objectives 45 Characteristics of Data 46 Summarizing Data Using Descriptive Statistics 48 4 Educational Measurement: Archival Data and Standardized Instruments 79 Chapter Objectives 79 Measurement in Education 80 Evaluating the Quality of Standardized Instruments: Reliability and Validity 93 Issues in Finding and Using Standardized Instruments 101 5 Qualitative Measures and Procedures 111 Chapter Objectives 111 Characteristics of Qualitative Measurement 112 Sampling in Qualitative Research 134 6 Qualitative Research 141 Chapter Objectives 141 Research Vignette 142 Understanding Qualitative Research 142 Steps in Designing Qualitative Research 160 Evaluating Narrative Inquiry and Phenomenological Research 169 7 Organization and Analysis of Qualitative Data 179 Chapter Objectives 179 Analysis of Qualitative Data 180 Steps in Analyzing Qualitative Data 180 8 Descriptive Survey Research: Quantitative Research 197 Chapter Objectives 197 Research Vignette 198 Characteristics of Descriptive Survey Research 198 Steps in Conducting Descriptive Survey Research 201 Evaluating Descriptive Survey Research 222 9 Experimental Research 227 Chapter Objectives 227 Research Vignette 228 Understanding Experimental Research 228 Steps in Planning and Conducting Experimental Research 230 Threats to Experimental Validity 241 Single-Subject Research Designs 253 10 Nonexperimental Approaches: Causal-Comparative and Correlational Research 265 Chapter Objectives 265 Research Vignette 266 Causal-Comparative Research 266 Correlational Research 271 Multiple Regression Studies 288 11 Inferential Statistics 293 Chapter Objectives 293 Beyond Descriptive Statistics: Inferential Statistics 294 Steps in Analyzing Data Using Inferential Tests 302 Designs with More than One Independent or Dependent Variable 306 12 Action Research 311 Chapter Objectives 311 Research Vignette 312 Understanding Action Research 313 Steps in Conducting Action Research 321 Data Sources for Action Research 330 Evaluation of Action Research 346 13 Program Evaluation in Education 361 Chapter Objectives 361 Research Vignette 362 What Is Program Evaluation? 363 Types, Approaches, and Models of Program Evaluation 371 Steps in Designing Program Evaluation 375 Program Evaluation Data and Critiquing Evaluation Reports 376 Training and Careers in Program Evaluation 378 14 Identifying and Researching a Topic 383 Chapter Objectives 383 Getting Started 384 Identify a Research Topic 384 Refine Your Topic as You Search 387 Search the Literature 391 Identify and Summarize Key Information from Articles 404 When Do I Have Enough? 406 15 The Research Proposal 409 Chapter Objectives 409 Preparing a Research Proposal 410 References 427 Appendix A 435 Appendix B 469 Index 499

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. 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.