An Introduction to Educational Research

Connecting Methods to Practice
Chad Lochmiller - Indiana University, Bloomington, USA
Jessica Lester - Indiana University, USA
An Introduction to Educational Research
December 2015 | 336 pages | Sage US
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Description

Expand your understanding of educational research with this practice-first introduction.

 

Written specifically for education practitioners, An Introduction to Educational Research: Connecting Methods to Practice approaches research methods from a practice-first perspective that aligns research with professional experiences and identifies the tools and resources readers can use when conducting their own research. Throughout the book, the authors illuminate complex research concepts using problems of practice confronting educators to help readers make meaningful connections with key concepts and research practices. The authors present balanced coverage across research methodologies that is linked to practice, so readers clearly see research as a tool they can use to improve classrooms, schools, districts, and educational organizations.

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.



Contents

Part I: Examining the Foundations of Educational Research

  • Chapter 1: Studying Education Practice with Research
  • Practitioner-Scholars Defined
  • Using Problems of Practice to Frame Research
  • An Overview of the Problems of Practice
  • The Purposes and Types of Educational Research
  • Research Paradigms
  • Defining Research Methodologies and Research Methods
  • Chapter 2: Designing a Research Study
  • The Overarching Research Process
  • Designing a Research Study
  • Chapter 3: Reviewing the Literature
  • The Importance of the Literature Review
  • Unpacking the Literature Review
  • Difference between Qualitative and Quantitative Literature Reviews
  • The Process of Conducting a Literature Review
  • Staying Organized and Updated: A Few Reminders
  • Using Technology to Complete the Literature Review
  • Chapter 4: Considering Research Ethics
  • Ethics and Educational Research
  • Legal and Institutional Ethical Requirements
  • Managing Research Relationships with Schools and Districts
  • Considering Ethics Across the Research Process
  • Emerging Ethical Challenges

Part II: Considering Approaches to Educational Research

  • Chapter 5: Introducing Qualitative Research
  • Characteristics of Qualitative Research
  • Qualitative Methodologies
  • Chapter 6: Introducing Quantitative Research
  • Quantitative Research: Aims and Purposes
  • Characteristics of Quantitative Research
  • Quantitative Research Designs
  • Chapter 7: Collecting Qualitative and Quantitative Data
  • Sampling Strategies
  • Site Access and Participant Recruitment
  • Collecting Qualitative Data
  • Collecting Quantitative Data
  • Considering Technology Tools to Support Data Collection
  • Chapter 8: Completing Qualitative Data Analysis
  • Defining Qualitative Data Analysis: Aims and Purposes
  • Carrying Out Qualitative Data Analysis
  • Issues of Validity in Qualitative Research
  • Technology that Supports Qualitative Data Analysis
  • Chapter 9: Completing Quantitative Data Analysis
  • Quantitative Data Analysis: A Cyclical Approach
  • Descriptive statistics: Identifying Patterns, Trends, and Frequencies
  • Calculating Inferential Statistics
  • A Few of The Most Common Statistical Tests
  • Identifying Missing or Out-of-Range Data
  • Reliability and Validity in Quantitative Research
  • Technology that Supports Quantitative Data Analysis
  • Chapter 10: Introducing Mixed Methods Research and Analysis
  • Defining Mixed Methods Research
  • Characteristics of Mixed Methods Research
  • Mixed Methods Research Designs
  • Models of Mixed Methods Research
  • Selecting a Fixed or Emergent Mixed Methods Design
  • Beyond Selecting a Mixed Methods Model
  • Carrying Out a Mixed Methods Study
  • Mixed Methods Analysis
  • Chapter 11: Introducing Action Research
  • Overview of Action Research
  • The Action Research Cycle
  • Unique Considerations for Action Research
  • Using Technology in Action Research

Part III: Producing Research to Improve Practice

  • Chapter 12: Writing the Research
  • Engaging in the Academic Writing Process
  • The Basic Structure of a Research Report
  • Formulating Arguments and Presenting Findings
  • Technologies to Support Writing and Disseminating Research
  • Chapter 13: Using and Sharing Research to Improve Practice
  • Revisiting the Meaning of Practitioner-Scholarship
  • Technologies to Support Sharing Research
  • Summarizing the Research Process and the Methodologies Presented
  • Returning to the Place We Began: Problems of Practice
  • Conclusion

Additional materials

Description

Expand your understanding of educational research with this practice-first introduction.

 

Written specifically for education practitioners, An Introduction to Educational Research: Connecting Methods to Practice approaches research methods from a practice-first perspective that aligns research with professional experiences and identifies the tools and resources readers can use when conducting their own research. Throughout the book, the authors illuminate complex research concepts using problems of practice confronting educators to help readers make meaningful connections with key concepts and research practices. The authors present balanced coverage across research methodologies that is linked to practice, so readers clearly see research as a tool they can use to improve classrooms, schools, districts, and educational organizations.

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.



Contents

Part I: Examining the Foundations of Educational Research

  • Chapter 1: Studying Education Practice with Research
  • Practitioner-Scholars Defined
  • Using Problems of Practice to Frame Research
  • An Overview of the Problems of Practice
  • The Purposes and Types of Educational Research
  • Research Paradigms
  • Defining Research Methodologies and Research Methods
  • Chapter 2: Designing a Research Study
  • The Overarching Research Process
  • Designing a Research Study
  • Chapter 3: Reviewing the Literature
  • The Importance of the Literature Review
  • Unpacking the Literature Review
  • Difference between Qualitative and Quantitative Literature Reviews
  • The Process of Conducting a Literature Review
  • Staying Organized and Updated: A Few Reminders
  • Using Technology to Complete the Literature Review
  • Chapter 4: Considering Research Ethics
  • Ethics and Educational Research
  • Legal and Institutional Ethical Requirements
  • Managing Research Relationships with Schools and Districts
  • Considering Ethics Across the Research Process
  • Emerging Ethical Challenges

Part II: Considering Approaches to Educational Research

  • Chapter 5: Introducing Qualitative Research
  • Characteristics of Qualitative Research
  • Qualitative Methodologies
  • Chapter 6: Introducing Quantitative Research
  • Quantitative Research: Aims and Purposes
  • Characteristics of Quantitative Research
  • Quantitative Research Designs
  • Chapter 7: Collecting Qualitative and Quantitative Data
  • Sampling Strategies
  • Site Access and Participant Recruitment
  • Collecting Qualitative Data
  • Collecting Quantitative Data
  • Considering Technology Tools to Support Data Collection
  • Chapter 8: Completing Qualitative Data Analysis
  • Defining Qualitative Data Analysis: Aims and Purposes
  • Carrying Out Qualitative Data Analysis
  • Issues of Validity in Qualitative Research
  • Technology that Supports Qualitative Data Analysis
  • Chapter 9: Completing Quantitative Data Analysis
  • Quantitative Data Analysis: A Cyclical Approach
  • Descriptive statistics: Identifying Patterns, Trends, and Frequencies
  • Calculating Inferential Statistics
  • A Few of The Most Common Statistical Tests
  • Identifying Missing or Out-of-Range Data
  • Reliability and Validity in Quantitative Research
  • Technology that Supports Quantitative Data Analysis
  • Chapter 10: Introducing Mixed Methods Research and Analysis
  • Defining Mixed Methods Research
  • Characteristics of Mixed Methods Research
  • Mixed Methods Research Designs
  • Models of Mixed Methods Research
  • Selecting a Fixed or Emergent Mixed Methods Design
  • Beyond Selecting a Mixed Methods Model
  • Carrying Out a Mixed Methods Study
  • Mixed Methods Analysis
  • Chapter 11: Introducing Action Research
  • Overview of Action Research
  • The Action Research Cycle
  • Unique Considerations for Action Research
  • Using Technology in Action Research

Part III: Producing Research to Improve Practice

  • Chapter 12: Writing the Research
  • Engaging in the Academic Writing Process
  • The Basic Structure of a Research Report
  • Formulating Arguments and Presenting Findings
  • Technologies to Support Writing and Disseminating Research
  • Chapter 13: Using and Sharing Research to Improve Practice
  • Revisiting the Meaning of Practitioner-Scholarship
  • Technologies to Support Sharing Research
  • Summarizing the Research Process and the Methodologies Presented
  • Returning to the Place We Began: Problems of Practice
  • Conclusion

Additional materials

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An Introduction to Educational Research

Connecting Methods to Practice

Chad Lochmiller , Jessica Lester
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December 2015 | 336 pages | Sage US

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Expand your understanding of educational research with this practice-first introduction.

 

Written specifically for education practitioners, An Introduction to Educational Research: Connecting Methods to Practice approaches research methods from a practice-first perspective that aligns research with professional experiences and identifies the tools and resources readers can use when conducting their own research. Throughout the book, the authors illuminate complex research concepts using problems of practice confronting educators to help readers make meaningful connections with key concepts and research practices. The authors present balanced coverage across research methodologies that is linked to practice, so readers clearly see research as a tool they can use to improve classrooms, schools, districts, and educational organizations.

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.




Table Of Contents:

  • Part I: Examining the Foundations of Educational Research
  • Chapter 1: Studying Education Practice with Research
  • Practitioner-Scholars Defined
  • Using Problems of Practice to Frame Research
  • An Overview of the Problems of Practice
  • The Purposes and Types of Educational Research
  • Research Paradigms
  • Defining Research Methodologies and Research Methods
  • Chapter 2: Designing a Research Study
  • The Overarching Research Process
  • Designing a Research Study
  • Chapter 3: Reviewing the Literature
  • The Importance of the Literature Review
  • Unpacking the Literature Review
  • Difference between Qualitative and Quantitative Literature Reviews
  • The Process of Conducting a Literature Review
  • Staying Organized and Updated: A Few Reminders
  • Using Technology to Complete the Literature Review
  • Chapter 4: Considering Research Ethics
  • Ethics and Educational Research
  • Legal and Institutional Ethical Requirements
  • Managing Research Relationships with Schools and Districts
  • Considering Ethics Across the Research Process
  • Emerging Ethical Challenges
  • Part II: Considering Approaches to Educational Research
  • Chapter 5: Introducing Qualitative Research
  • Characteristics of Qualitative Research
  • Qualitative Methodologies
  • Chapter 6: Introducing Quantitative Research
  • Quantitative Research: Aims and Purposes
  • Characteristics of Quantitative Research
  • Quantitative Research Designs
  • Chapter 7: Collecting Qualitative and Quantitative Data
  • Sampling Strategies
  • Site Access and Participant Recruitment
  • Collecting Qualitative Data
  • Collecting Quantitative Data
  • Considering Technology Tools to Support Data Collection
  • Chapter 8: Completing Qualitative Data Analysis
  • Defining Qualitative Data Analysis: Aims and Purposes
  • Carrying Out Qualitative Data Analysis
  • Issues of Validity in Qualitative Research
  • Technology that Supports Qualitative Data Analysis
  • Chapter 9: Completing Quantitative Data Analysis
  • Quantitative Data Analysis: A Cyclical Approach
  • Descriptive statistics: Identifying Patterns, Trends, and Frequencies
  • Calculating Inferential Statistics
  • A Few of The Most Common Statistical Tests
  • Identifying Missing or Out-of-Range Data
  • Reliability and Validity in Quantitative Research
  • Technology that Supports Quantitative Data Analysis
  • Chapter 10: Introducing Mixed Methods Research and Analysis
  • Defining Mixed Methods Research
  • Characteristics of Mixed Methods Research
  • Mixed Methods Research Designs
  • Models of Mixed Methods Research
  • Selecting a Fixed or Emergent Mixed Methods Design
  • Beyond Selecting a Mixed Methods Model
  • Carrying Out a Mixed Methods Study
  • Mixed Methods Analysis
  • Chapter 11: Introducing Action Research
  • Overview of Action Research
  • The Action Research Cycle
  • Unique Considerations for Action Research
  • Using Technology in Action Research
  • Part III: Producing Research to Improve Practice
  • Chapter 12: Writing the Research
  • Engaging in the Academic Writing Process
  • The Basic Structure of a Research Report
  • Formulating Arguments and Presenting Findings
  • Technologies to Support Writing and Disseminating Research
  • Chapter 13: Using and Sharing Research to Improve Practice
  • Revisiting the Meaning of Practitioner-Scholarship
  • Technologies to Support Sharing Research
  • Summarizing the Research Process and the Methodologies Presented
  • Returning to the Place We Began: Problems of Practice
  • Conclusion

Recent Product Reviews:

This text has been advised to all masters students- helping to clearly utline the core elements they must consider when planning their level 7 thesis.
Mr Julian Ayres, School of Education and Community, Wrexham Glyndwr University
This is text is simultaneously accessible and in-depth. The authors' iterative focus on basic design features of qualitative and quantitative data ensures that readers really absorb the information. They also provide well-timed "reflection opportunities" that students can use on their own or instructors can incorporate easily into their classroom activities or assessments. They provide a wealth of external resources--accessible to both students and teachers--to deepen learning about what it means to do research in educational settings. But what makes this text really stand out is its singular focus in its writing style and understanding of the audience. This text is truly geared toward (emergent) practitioner-scholars. I teach teachers, administrators, counselors and others already in the field; they want to know how to operationalize information about how to do research from Day 1. This is the text to help them do that.
Dr Peggy Shannon-Baker, Curriculum, Foundations and Reading, Georgia Southern University
“It is practical for teacher leaders and researchers.”
Jill Bradley-Levine, University of Indianapolis
“The content is not overly complex but at the same time explains very important research method concepts”
Arturo Olivarez, Jr., University of Texas at El Paso
“The “practice-first” approach is very productive and creative. I enjoyed this aspect very much.”
Harriett Gaddy, Centenary College

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