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.

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.--Jeffrey Hunt The book covers the basics of research in education and is simplified in a way that is easy for students to follow.--Julie K. Jhun This is a well-written text which provides good quality examples which makes it more user-friendly.--Robert Ceglie