Understanding and Evaluating Research
A Critical Guide
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Go to College Publishing WebsiteDescription
Understanding and Evaluating Research: A Critical Guide shows students how to be critical consumers of research and to appreciate the power of methodology as it shapes the research question, the use of theory in the study, the methods used, and how the outcomes are reported. The book starts with what it means to be a critical and uncritical reader of research, followed by a detailed chapter on methodology, and then proceeds to a discussion of each component of a research article as it is informed by the methodology. The book encourages readers to select an article from their discipline, learning along the way how to assess each component of the article and come to a judgment of its rigor or quality as a scholarly report.
View the brief Table of Contents for this book.
Contents
PART I • INTRODUCTION
- Chapter 1 • Critical Research Literacy
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
PART II • PHILOSOPHICAL AND THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF RESEARCH
- Chapter 2 • Research Methodologies
- Empirical, Interpretive, and Critical Methodologies
- Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods Methodologies
- Research Methodology and Research Question Alignment
- Writing the Research Methodology Section of a Paper
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 3 • Conceptual Frameworks, Theories, and Models
- Introduction
- Role of Theory in Research Inquiries
- Concepts and Constructs
- Conceptual Frameworks
- Theories
- Writing the Theoretical or Conceptual Framework Section of a Paper
- Models
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
PART III • ORIENTING AND SUPPORTIVE ELEMENTS OF RESEARCH
- Chapter 4 • Orienting and Supportive Elements of a Journal Article
- Introduction
- Authors' Names, Credentials, and Affiliations
- Article Title
- Abstracts
- Keywords
- References
- Footnotes and Endnotes
- Appendices
- Acknowledgements
- Biographies
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 5 • Peer-Reviewed Journals
- Introduction
- Journal Editor, Editorial Boards, and Facilitating Editors
- Peer Review Process
- Acceptance Rates
- Journal Impact Factors
- Journal Title
- Journal Volume, Issue, and Pagination
- Year of Publication and Article Placement in Issue
- Special Topic and Themed Issues
- Electronic Journals
- Open Access Journals
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
PART IV • RESEARCH JUSTIFICATIONS, AUGMENTATION, AND RATIONALES
- Chapter 6 • Introduction and Research Questions
- Introduction
- Etymological Roots
- Opening Sentences and Opening Points in an Introduction
- Six Approaches to Writing Introductions
- Delimitations
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 7 • Literature Review
- Introduction
- Etymology and Definition of a Literature Review
- Purposes of a Literature Review
- When to Conduct a Literature Review
- Conducting a Literature Search
- Critically Reviewing the Collection of Literature
- Writing the Literature Review Section
- Characteristics of a Good Literature Review
- Technical Elements of Writing Effective Literature Review Sections
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
PART V • RESEARCH DESIGN AND RESEARCH METHODS
- Chapter 8 • Overview of Research Design and Methods
- Introduction
- Etymology and Definition of Methods and Research Design
- Research Design
- Methods
- Integrity of Research Designs
- Technical Aspects of Reporting Methods
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 9 • Reporting Qualitative Research Methods
- Introduction
- Qualitative Emergent Research Designs
- Types of Qualitative Research Designs
- Methods Appropriate for Qualitative Research
- Qualitative Site Selection and Access
- Qualitative Sampling
- Researcher's Role
- Qualitative Ethical Considerations
- Qualitative Data Collection
- Qualitative Data Management, Security, and Storage
- Integrity of Qualitative Research Designs
- Qualitative Data Analysis
- Qualitative Study Limitations
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 10 • Reporting Quantitative Methods and Mixed Methods Research
- Introduction
- Quantitative Research Design
- Mixed Methods Research Design
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
PART VI • RESULTS AND FINDINGS
- Chapter 11 • Statistical Literacy and Conventions
- Introduction
- History of Statistics
- Laws of Probability and Chance
- Statistical Literacy
- Types of Statistical Data
- Statistical Variables
- Experimental and Nonexperimental Research
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 12 • Descriptive and Inferential Statistics
- Introduction
- Basic Differences Between Descriptive and Inferential Statistics
- Descriptive Statistics
- Association and Causation
- Inferential Statistics
- Conclusion
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 13 • Results and Findings
- Introduction
- Distinguishing Between Results and Findings
- Purpose of Results or Findings Section
- Reporting Qualitative Findings
- Reporting Quantitative Results
- Reporting Mixed Methods Results and Findings
- Conclusions: Unique Challenges of these Approaches
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
PART VII • DISCUSSION, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- Chapter 14 • Discussion
- Introduction
- Discussion Defined
- Discussion Relative to Results and Findings
- Purpose of Discussion
- Discussion and the Concept of Significance
- Fundamental Questions to Address in the Discussion
- Limitations
- Organizing the Discussion Section
- Staying Focused and On Topic
- Ensuring Strong and Responsible Discussions
- Technical Strategies for Discussion Sections
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 15 • Conclusions
- Introduction
- Conclusion Defined
- Relating Conclusions to Discussion and Summaries
- Purpose of Conclusions
- Closing Strategies for Effective Conclusions
- Things to Avoid in the Conclusions Section
- Technical Strategies for Writing Effective Conclusions
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 16 • Recommendations
- Introduction
- Recommend Defined
- Logical Connections Informing Recommendations
- Research Versus Nonresearch Recommendations
- Audiences for Recommendations
- Characteristics of Effective Recommendations
- Language for Communicating Recommendations
- Crafting and Organizing Effective Recommendations
- Technical Strategies for Presenting Recommendations
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
PART VIII • ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS AND THEORETICAL PAPERS
- Chapter 17 • Argumentative Essays: Position, Discussion, and Think-Piece Papers
- Introduction
- Argumentative Essays
- Comparing Position, Discussion, and Think-Piece Papers
- Format for Argumentative Papers
- Persuasive Writing and Rhetorical Appeals
- Deductive and Inductive Argumentation
- Chapter 18 • Conceptual and Theoretical Papers
Additional materials
Description
Understanding and Evaluating Research: A Critical Guide shows students how to be critical consumers of research and to appreciate the power of methodology as it shapes the research question, the use of theory in the study, the methods used, and how the outcomes are reported. The book starts with what it means to be a critical and uncritical reader of research, followed by a detailed chapter on methodology, and then proceeds to a discussion of each component of a research article as it is informed by the methodology. The book encourages readers to select an article from their discipline, learning along the way how to assess each component of the article and come to a judgment of its rigor or quality as a scholarly report.
View the brief Table of Contents for this book.
Contents
PART I • INTRODUCTION
- Chapter 1 • Critical Research Literacy
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
PART II • PHILOSOPHICAL AND THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF RESEARCH
- Chapter 2 • Research Methodologies
- Empirical, Interpretive, and Critical Methodologies
- Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods Methodologies
- Research Methodology and Research Question Alignment
- Writing the Research Methodology Section of a Paper
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 3 • Conceptual Frameworks, Theories, and Models
- Introduction
- Role of Theory in Research Inquiries
- Concepts and Constructs
- Conceptual Frameworks
- Theories
- Writing the Theoretical or Conceptual Framework Section of a Paper
- Models
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
PART III • ORIENTING AND SUPPORTIVE ELEMENTS OF RESEARCH
- Chapter 4 • Orienting and Supportive Elements of a Journal Article
- Introduction
- Authors' Names, Credentials, and Affiliations
- Article Title
- Abstracts
- Keywords
- References
- Footnotes and Endnotes
- Appendices
- Acknowledgements
- Biographies
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 5 • Peer-Reviewed Journals
- Introduction
- Journal Editor, Editorial Boards, and Facilitating Editors
- Peer Review Process
- Acceptance Rates
- Journal Impact Factors
- Journal Title
- Journal Volume, Issue, and Pagination
- Year of Publication and Article Placement in Issue
- Special Topic and Themed Issues
- Electronic Journals
- Open Access Journals
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
PART IV • RESEARCH JUSTIFICATIONS, AUGMENTATION, AND RATIONALES
- Chapter 6 • Introduction and Research Questions
- Introduction
- Etymological Roots
- Opening Sentences and Opening Points in an Introduction
- Six Approaches to Writing Introductions
- Delimitations
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 7 • Literature Review
- Introduction
- Etymology and Definition of a Literature Review
- Purposes of a Literature Review
- When to Conduct a Literature Review
- Conducting a Literature Search
- Critically Reviewing the Collection of Literature
- Writing the Literature Review Section
- Characteristics of a Good Literature Review
- Technical Elements of Writing Effective Literature Review Sections
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
PART V • RESEARCH DESIGN AND RESEARCH METHODS
- Chapter 8 • Overview of Research Design and Methods
- Introduction
- Etymology and Definition of Methods and Research Design
- Research Design
- Methods
- Integrity of Research Designs
- Technical Aspects of Reporting Methods
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 9 • Reporting Qualitative Research Methods
- Introduction
- Qualitative Emergent Research Designs
- Types of Qualitative Research Designs
- Methods Appropriate for Qualitative Research
- Qualitative Site Selection and Access
- Qualitative Sampling
- Researcher's Role
- Qualitative Ethical Considerations
- Qualitative Data Collection
- Qualitative Data Management, Security, and Storage
- Integrity of Qualitative Research Designs
- Qualitative Data Analysis
- Qualitative Study Limitations
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 10 • Reporting Quantitative Methods and Mixed Methods Research
- Introduction
- Quantitative Research Design
- Mixed Methods Research Design
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
PART VI • RESULTS AND FINDINGS
- Chapter 11 • Statistical Literacy and Conventions
- Introduction
- History of Statistics
- Laws of Probability and Chance
- Statistical Literacy
- Types of Statistical Data
- Statistical Variables
- Experimental and Nonexperimental Research
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 12 • Descriptive and Inferential Statistics
- Introduction
- Basic Differences Between Descriptive and Inferential Statistics
- Descriptive Statistics
- Association and Causation
- Inferential Statistics
- Conclusion
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 13 • Results and Findings
- Introduction
- Distinguishing Between Results and Findings
- Purpose of Results or Findings Section
- Reporting Qualitative Findings
- Reporting Quantitative Results
- Reporting Mixed Methods Results and Findings
- Conclusions: Unique Challenges of these Approaches
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
PART VII • DISCUSSION, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- Chapter 14 • Discussion
- Introduction
- Discussion Defined
- Discussion Relative to Results and Findings
- Purpose of Discussion
- Discussion and the Concept of Significance
- Fundamental Questions to Address in the Discussion
- Limitations
- Organizing the Discussion Section
- Staying Focused and On Topic
- Ensuring Strong and Responsible Discussions
- Technical Strategies for Discussion Sections
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 15 • Conclusions
- Introduction
- Conclusion Defined
- Relating Conclusions to Discussion and Summaries
- Purpose of Conclusions
- Closing Strategies for Effective Conclusions
- Things to Avoid in the Conclusions Section
- Technical Strategies for Writing Effective Conclusions
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 16 • Recommendations
- Introduction
- Recommend Defined
- Logical Connections Informing Recommendations
- Research Versus Nonresearch Recommendations
- Audiences for Recommendations
- Characteristics of Effective Recommendations
- Language for Communicating Recommendations
- Crafting and Organizing Effective Recommendations
- Technical Strategies for Presenting Recommendations
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
PART VIII • ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS AND THEORETICAL PAPERS
- Chapter 17 • Argumentative Essays: Position, Discussion, and Think-Piece Papers
- Introduction
- Argumentative Essays
- Comparing Position, Discussion, and Think-Piece Papers
- Format for Argumentative Papers
- Persuasive Writing and Rhetorical Appeals
- Deductive and Inductive Argumentation
- Chapter 18 • Conceptual and Theoretical Papers
Additional materials
Reviews
October 2017 | 600 pages | Sage US
| Format | Published Date | ISBN | Price |
|---|
Understanding and Evaluating Research: A Critical Guide shows students how to be critical consumers of research and to appreciate the power of methodology as it shapes the research question, the use of theory in the study, the methods used, and how the outcomes are reported. The book starts with what it means to be a critical and uncritical reader of research, followed by a detailed chapter on methodology, and then proceeds to a discussion of each component of a research article as it is informed by the methodology. The book encourages readers to select an article from their discipline, learning along the way how to assess each component of the article and come to a judgment of its rigor or quality as a scholarly report.
View the brief Table of Contents for this book.
Table Of Contents:
- PART I • INTRODUCTION
- Chapter 1 • Critical Research Literacy
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- PART II • PHILOSOPHICAL AND THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF RESEARCH
- Chapter 2 • Research Methodologies
- Empirical, Interpretive, and Critical Methodologies
- Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods Methodologies
- Research Methodology and Research Question Alignment
- Writing the Research Methodology Section of a Paper
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 3 • Conceptual Frameworks, Theories, and Models
- Introduction
- Role of Theory in Research Inquiries
- Concepts and Constructs
- Conceptual Frameworks
- Theories
- Writing the Theoretical or Conceptual Framework Section of a Paper
- Models
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- PART III • ORIENTING AND SUPPORTIVE ELEMENTS OF RESEARCH
- Chapter 4 • Orienting and Supportive Elements of a Journal Article
- Introduction
- Authors' Names, Credentials, and Affiliations
- Article Title
- Abstracts
- Keywords
- References
- Footnotes and Endnotes
- Appendices
- Acknowledgements
- Biographies
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 5 • Peer-Reviewed Journals
- Introduction
- Journal Editor, Editorial Boards, and Facilitating Editors
- Peer Review Process
- Acceptance Rates
- Journal Impact Factors
- Journal Title
- Journal Volume, Issue, and Pagination
- Year of Publication and Article Placement in Issue
- Special Topic and Themed Issues
- Electronic Journals
- Open Access Journals
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- PART IV • RESEARCH JUSTIFICATIONS, AUGMENTATION, AND RATIONALES
- Chapter 6 • Introduction and Research Questions
- Introduction
- Etymological Roots
- Opening Sentences and Opening Points in an Introduction
- Six Approaches to Writing Introductions
- Delimitations
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 7 • Literature Review
- Introduction
- Etymology and Definition of a Literature Review
- Purposes of a Literature Review
- When to Conduct a Literature Review
- Conducting a Literature Search
- Critically Reviewing the Collection of Literature
- Writing the Literature Review Section
- Characteristics of a Good Literature Review
- Technical Elements of Writing Effective Literature Review Sections
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- PART V • RESEARCH DESIGN AND RESEARCH METHODS
- Chapter 8 • Overview of Research Design and Methods
- Introduction
- Etymology and Definition of Methods and Research Design
- Research Design
- Methods
- Integrity of Research Designs
- Technical Aspects of Reporting Methods
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 9 • Reporting Qualitative Research Methods
- Introduction
- Qualitative Emergent Research Designs
- Types of Qualitative Research Designs
- Methods Appropriate for Qualitative Research
- Qualitative Site Selection and Access
- Qualitative Sampling
- Researcher's Role
- Qualitative Ethical Considerations
- Qualitative Data Collection
- Qualitative Data Management, Security, and Storage
- Integrity of Qualitative Research Designs
- Qualitative Data Analysis
- Qualitative Study Limitations
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 10 • Reporting Quantitative Methods and Mixed Methods Research
- Introduction
- Quantitative Research Design
- Mixed Methods Research Design
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- PART VI • RESULTS AND FINDINGS
- Chapter 11 • Statistical Literacy and Conventions
- Introduction
- History of Statistics
- Laws of Probability and Chance
- Statistical Literacy
- Types of Statistical Data
- Statistical Variables
- Experimental and Nonexperimental Research
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 12 • Descriptive and Inferential Statistics
- Introduction
- Basic Differences Between Descriptive and Inferential Statistics
- Descriptive Statistics
- Association and Causation
- Inferential Statistics
- Conclusion
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 13 • Results and Findings
- Introduction
- Distinguishing Between Results and Findings
- Purpose of Results or Findings Section
- Reporting Qualitative Findings
- Reporting Quantitative Results
- Reporting Mixed Methods Results and Findings
- Conclusions: Unique Challenges of these Approaches
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- PART VII • DISCUSSION, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- Chapter 14 • Discussion
- Introduction
- Discussion Defined
- Discussion Relative to Results and Findings
- Purpose of Discussion
- Discussion and the Concept of Significance
- Fundamental Questions to Address in the Discussion
- Limitations
- Organizing the Discussion Section
- Staying Focused and On Topic
- Ensuring Strong and Responsible Discussions
- Technical Strategies for Discussion Sections
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 15 • Conclusions
- Introduction
- Conclusion Defined
- Relating Conclusions to Discussion and Summaries
- Purpose of Conclusions
- Closing Strategies for Effective Conclusions
- Things to Avoid in the Conclusions Section
- Technical Strategies for Writing Effective Conclusions
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- Chapter 16 • Recommendations
- Introduction
- Recommend Defined
- Logical Connections Informing Recommendations
- Research Versus Nonresearch Recommendations
- Audiences for Recommendations
- Characteristics of Effective Recommendations
- Language for Communicating Recommendations
- Crafting and Organizing Effective Recommendations
- Technical Strategies for Presenting Recommendations
- Chapter Summary
- Review and Discussion Questions
- PART VIII • ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS AND THEORETICAL PAPERS
- Chapter 17 • Argumentative Essays: Position, Discussion, and Think-Piece Papers
- Introduction
- Argumentative Essays
- Comparing Position, Discussion, and Think-Piece Papers
- Format for Argumentative Papers
- Persuasive Writing and Rhetorical Appeals
- Deductive and Inductive Argumentation
- Chapter 18 • Conceptual and Theoretical Papers
Recent Product Reviews:
“Understanding and Evaluating Research is a great resource with many examples to beginners and seasoned qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods researchers.”
Kadir Demir, Georgia State University
“Sue L. T. McGregor provides what is missing in most textbooks on research methods—deeper explanations. New researchers will find detailed explanations of difficult-to-understand research concepts, and professors will find a wealth of teaching tools that can be tailored for each lesson. Few textbooks on research methods are so comprehensive and practical.”
Scott Greenberger, Grand Canyon University
“This is an exceptional instructional book written for students and experienced researchers. It’s a thorough guide that explains the entire process and provides a complete understanding of research. I highly recommend Understanding and Evaluating Research: A Critical Guide for both inexperienced and experienced researchers!”
Anita Rose, New York University
“This powerful, well-crafted book provides novice and advanced researchers the tools to fully understand and execute research.”
Carole S Rhodes, Queens College
“This ambitious volume provides depth and explanation to the basics of research methods and goes beyond to demystify many elements of academic writing. The book is accessible to novice researchers across disciplines. It is evident how much care and thought went into developing each chapter of this text to illuminate for novice researchers the guidelines and the quirkiness of academic writing.”
Xyanthe Neider, Washington State University