Full Description
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.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Initial Research Considerations
What is Educational Research?
Overview of the Educational Research Process
Identifying a Research Problem
Ethics in Educational Research
Reviewing Related Research Literature
Designing a Research Study
Qualitative Research Methods
Quantitative Research Methods
Mixed-Methods Research
Action Research
Writing a Research Proposal
Collecting and Analyzing Data
Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis
Quantitative Data Collection
Quantitative Data Analysis
The Research Report
Writing a Final Research Report
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
