Methods in Educational Research: From Theory to Practice(8 Research Methods for the Social Sciences)

Written for students, educators, and researchers, Methods in Educational Research offers a refreshing introduction to the principles of educational research. Designed for the real world of educational research, the book’s approach focuses on the types of problems likely to be encountered in professional experiences. Reflecting the importance of The No Child Left Behind Act , “scientifically based” educational research, school accountability, and the professional demands of the twenty-first century, Methods in Educational Research empowers educational researchers to take an active role in conducting research in their classrooms, districts, and the greater educational community—activities that are now not only expected but required of all teachers.

Table of Contents:
Tables, Figures, and Exhibits. Preface. Acknowledgments. About the Authors. 1. Introduction to Educational Research. 2. Identifying and Researching a Topic. 3. The Research Proposal. 4. Measurement in Educational Research and Assessment: Preestablished Instruments and Archival Data. 5. Self-Developed Measures and Qualitative Measurement. 6. Working with Research Participants: Sampling and Ethics. 7. Descriptive-Survey Research. 8. Experimental Research. 9. Nonexperimental Approaches: Causal-Comparative and Correlational Research. 10. Analyzing Quantitative Data. 11. Qualitative Research. 12. Mixed-Methods and Action Research. 13. Organization and Analysis of Qualitative Research Data. 14. Program Evaluation in Education. 15. Educational Research Can Make a Difference. References. Appendix A: Sample Qualitative Proposal. Appendix B: Sample Quantitative Proposal. Appendix C: Calculation of the Standard Deviation. Index.

About the Author :
Marguerite G. Lodico, Ed.D., is professor at The College of Saint Rose, where she teaches child development and educational research. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she conducts research in urban schools and community settings. Dean T. Spaulding, Ph.D., is associate professor at The College of Saint Rose, where he teaches educational research and program evaluation and conducts evaluations of school and community programs. Katherine H. Voegtle, Ph.D., is associate professor at The College of Saint Rose, where she teaches courses in human development and educational research and conducts research on diversity and child development.

Review :
"… a very useful introductory text to research in education." (Psychology Teaching Review, March 2008) "Methods in Educational Research: From Theory to Practice is a new attempt to make this subject more relevant and appealing to students. … The focus is on the real world of educational research. … It is filled with useful add-ons, information, writing tips, chapter objectives, research vignettes, practical examples, advance organizers, research proposals, and so on. . . . This book is much more relevant for educational researchers than just a general book on research methodology. It helps the reader to think through and recognize the consequences of—often implicit—choices of research frameworks. Clear diagrams navigate the reader through complex choices such as the development of sound research questions. The authors really tried to make the often complex subjects in the book more understandable. . . 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." –Psycritiques, September, 2007 "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. . . . useful for an introductory course." -- Journal of MultiDisciplinary Evaluation, March 2008