Introduction to Educational Research

The Second Edition of Introduction to Educational Research expertly guides readers through the steps of the research methods process to help them plan and compose their first educational research project. With a conversational writing style, author Craig A. Mertler covers all aspects of the research process and addresses a wide range of research methodologies, including: Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed-Methods, and Action Research. No prior familiarity with the principles, procedures, or terminology of educational research is required, allowing novice students to clearly understand research concepts and learn to effectively apply them in their own studies. SAGE edge FREE online resources for students that make learning easier. See how your students benefit. Available with Perusall--an eBook that makes it easier to prepare for class! Perusall is an award-winning eBook platform featuring social annotation tools that allow students and instructors to collaboratively mark up and discuss their SAGE textbook. Backed by research and supported by technological innovations developed at Harvard University, this process of learning through collaborative annotation keeps your students engaged and makes teaching easier and more effective. Learn more.

About the Author :
Craig A. Mertler is currently an Associate Professor at Arizona State University. He began his career as a high school biology teacher. He has been an educator for 32 years--22 of those in higher education at Bowling Green State University, the University of West Georgia, Lynn University, and Arizona State University, and nine 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 on more than 100 doctoral dissertations and master's theses. He is the author of 23 books, 8 invited book chapters, and 20 refereed journal articles. He has also presented more than 35 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 playing golf and traveling with his family. 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 well-written, student focused introduction to education research text that is a great primer for helping students get ready to run their first study.--Samuel Sennott Comprehensive introductory text to educational research that provides students with practical and thorough information on how to be research producers and consumers.--Maryann Dudzinski Craig A. Mertler gives educators a practical look into the sometimes overwhelming practice of research. He constructs each chapter using an easy to understand tone, as well as offering reflective activities to provide deeper meaning and reflection on one's own practice.--Kimberly Silbaugh, Ph.D. Mertler synthesizes a wealth of research methodology in one, eminently usable textbook. Designed for the beginning educational researcher, he covers all aspects of the research process and addresses a wide range of research methodologies: Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed-Methods, and Action Research. Written with as little jargon as possible, he dots each chapter with figures and tables that expand and extend the written text. From preparing to conduct a study through sampling, data collection and analysis, and interpretation, Mertler succinctly covers many aspects of the research process. His well-written study at the end of the book serves as a model for much of the material covered in previous chapters. This textbook will become a staple for beginning educational research courses for many years to come!--Patricia A. St John, EdD, ATR-BC, LCAT