Introduction to Educational Research

The Fourth Edition of Introduction to Educational Research by Craig A. Mertler guides readers through the steps of the research process to help them plan and execute research projects in educational settings. With balanced coverage of qualitative and quantitative methods, an emphasis on ethics, and concrete applications of methods, this text offers a practical presentation of the research process. New to the Fourth Edition are more information on interviews throughout the book, expanded coverage of qualitative research, and a thoroughly updated chapter on action research. Three current research articles are included as appendices to demonstrate qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. Comprehensive and student-friendly, Introduction to Educational Research uses conversational and nontechnical language to help students clearly understand and apply research concepts, principles, procedures, and terminology.

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgements About the Author Part I: Initial Research Considerations Chapter 1: What is Educational Research? Finding Answers to Questions Educational Research--What It Is and What It Is not The Scientific Method Educational Research as a Process Knowing Your Specific Discipline Educators as Researchers Chapter 2: Overview of the Educational Research Process Planning the Research Study Implementing the Research Study Completing the Research Study The Educational Research Process--A Brief Example Chapter 3: Identifying a Research Problem Identifying a Research Topic or Problem Necessary Terminology Related to Research Research Questions and Hypotheses Chapter 4: Ethics in Educational Research Ethical Considerations in the Conduct of Research Ethics in Qualitative Versus Quantitative Studies Institutional Review Boards Chapter 5: Reviewing Related Research Literature What is Literature Review? Sources for Literature Related to Your Research Topics Searching for ERIC Online Database Searching the Google Scholar Online Database Organizing and Writing Your Literature Review Part II: Designing a Research Study Chapter 6: Qualitative Research Methods Characteristics of Qualitative Research The Qualitative Research Process Approaches to Conducting Qualitative Research More About Ethnographic Research More About Narrative Research Chapter 7: Quantitative Research Methods Characteristics of Quantitative Research The Quantitative Research Process Nonexperimental Research Designs Experimental Research Designs Threats to Validity in Quantitative Designs Chapter 8: Mixed-Methods Research Characteristics of Mixed-Methods Research The Mixed-Methods Research Process Approaches to Conducting Mixed-Methods Research Validity, Strengths, and Limitations in Mixed-Methods Research Chapter 9: Action Research Characteristics of Action Research The Action Research Process Action Planning and Reflection Validity in Action Research Strengths and Limitations of Action Research Chapter 10: Writing a Research Proposal Purpose of a Research Proposal General Aspects of a Research Proposal Components of a Quantitative Research Proposal Components of a Qualitative Research Proposal Proposals for Action Research and Mixed-Methods Studies Part III: Collecting and Analyzing Data Chapter 11: Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis Sampling Techniques in Qualitative Research Qualitative Data Collection Techniques Characteristics of Qualitative Data: Accuracy, Credibility, and Dependability Qualitative Data Analysis Techniques Chapter 12: Quantitative Data Collection Sampling Techniques in Quantitative Research Levels of Measurement Quantitative Data Collection Techniques Characteristics of Quantitative Data: Validity and Reliability Chapter 13: Quantitative Data Analysis Quantitative Data Analysis Techniques Descriptive Statistical Analysis Inferential Statistical Analysis Cautions in Using Statistics Part IV: The Research Report Chapter 14: Writing a Final Research Report Importance of the Audience General Guidelines For Writing A Research Report Practical Guidelines for Writing Appendix A: Should I Stay or Should I Go? Understanding Teacher Motivation, Job Satisfaction, and Perceptions of Retention Among Arizona Teachers Appendix B: Undocumented and College-Bound: A Case Study of the Supports and Barriers High School Students Encounter in Accessing Higher Education Appendix C: The Impact of Book Reading in the Early Years on Parent–Child Language Interaction Glossary References Index

About the Author :
Craig A. Mertler is currently an Associate Professor of Action Research and Quantitative Methods at Barry University in Miami, Florida. He began his career as a high school biology teacher. He has been an educator for 39 years—29 of those in higher education at Bowling Green State University, the University of West Georgia, Lynn University, Arizona State University, and Barry University, and 12 years as an administrator (department chair, doctoral program director, and education dean). Over his career, he has taught courses focused on the application of action research to promote educator empowerment, school improvement, and job-embedded professional development, as well as classroom assessment, research methods, and statistical analyses.  He has served as the research methodology expert and/or chair on more than 140 doctoral dissertations and master’s theses. He is the author of 30 books, 9 invited book chapters, and 25 refereed journal articles. He has also presented more than 40 research papers at professional meetings around the country, as well as internationally. He conducts workshops for in-service educational professionals (at all levels) on classroom-based action research and on the topics of classroom assessment and assessment literacy, as well as data-driven educational decision making. His primary research and consulting interests include classroom-based action research, data-driven educational decision making, professional learning communities, and classroom teachers’ assessment literacy. In his leisure time, he enjoys traveling with his family to the beach and sometimes writing a little fiction. Dr. Mertler can be reached at craig.mertler@gmail.com for consulting, professional development, and speaking engagements. Additionally, you can visit his website at www.craigmertler.com.   

Review :
A foundational text for educational researchers. The book covers the basics of research in education and is simplified in a way that is easy for students to follow. This is a well-written text which provides good quality examples which makes it more user-friendly.