Research Methods for Education

Second Edition
Sandra Dika - The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Lynn Ahlgrim-Delzell - The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Gregory J. Privitera - St. Bonaventure University
Research Methods for Education
September 2025 | 680 pages | Sage US
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Description

Research Methods for Education, Second Edition employs a conversational tone to frame research as a logical, step-by-step process of making research decisions. Helping students translate their complex educational research questions into a plan for a research project, the text focuses on applying scientific methods in real-world educational contexts. Authors Sandra L. Dika, Lynn Ahlgrim-Delzell, and Gregory J. Privitera show how methods and analysis work together to create credible, reliable, and valid quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods educational research. Chapters logically follow the research design and analysis process as in the first edition, with a focus on ethics, measurement, literature reviews, and participant selection before moving through various research designs, including nonexperimental, quasi-experimental, experimental, qualitative, and mixed methods. Significant updates include a restructured table of contents with more emphasis on quasi-experimental research and single-case designs and more logical flow of content. New sections on validity incorporate national standards, while more clarification of qualitative and mixed methods designs helps students better understand these approaches. Throughout, new educational examples and data have been added, as well as updates for the APA 7th edition guidelines.

Contents

Preface

Preface

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

  • Chapter 1: Introduction to Scientific Thinking and the Science of Education
  • Introduction
  • The Scientific Method and Its Relevance in Educational Research
  • Approaches in Acquiring Knowledge
  • Generating and Converting Ideas to Hypotheses and Theories
  • Performing a Literature Review
  • Testing Your Idea: Confirmation and Disconfirmation
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Classroom Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Question Answer Key
  • Chapter 2: Research Ethics
  • Introduction
  • Ethics in Educational Research
  • The Need for Ethics Committees in Research: A Historical Synopsis
  • Ethics in Focus: Classic Examples from Psychology
  • Human Participant Research: IRBs and the AERA Code of Ethics
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 3: Scientific Variables, Measurement, and Instrumentation
  • Introduction
  • Defining Variables, Constructs, and Operational Definitions
  • Types of Variables
  • Scales of Measurement
  • Classifying Data Collection Instruments
  • Tests and Measures
  • Questionnaire Items and Administration
  • Concepts in Validity and Reliability of Measurement
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 4: Sampling From Populations
  • Introduction
  • Why Do Researchers Select Samples?
  • Subjects, Participants, and Sampling Methods
  • Methods of Sampling: Nonprobability Sampling
  • Methods of Sampling: Probability Sampling
  • Sampling Error and Standard Error of the Mean
  • Potential Biases in Sampling
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 5: Choosing a Research Design
  • Introduction
  • Designing a Study to Answer a Question
  • Categories of Research Design
  • Internal and External Validity
  • Demonstrating Cause in an Experiment
  • Threats to the Internal Validity of a Research Study
  • Threats to the External Validity of a Research Study
  • External Validity, Experimentation, and Realism
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 6: Naturalistic and Existing Data Research Designs
  • Introduction
  • An Overview of Naturalistic Design
  • The Research Setting: Natural and Contrived Settings
  • Techniques for Making Unobtrusive Observations
  • Operationalizing Observations
  • Quantifying Observations
  • An Overview of Existing Data Designs
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 7 : Survey and Correlational Research Designs
  • Introduction
  • An Overview of Survey Designs
  • Surveys, Sampling, and Nonresponse Bias
  • Steps in Administering a Survey
  • The Structure of Correlational Designs
  • Describing the Relationship Between Variables
  • Limitations in Interpretation
  • Correlation, Regression, and Prediction
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 8: Introduction to Qualitative Research
  • Introduction
  • What Is Qualitative Research?
  • Distinctions Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research
  • Three Theoretical Perspectives in Qualitative Research
  • Steps in Qualitative Research
  • Role of the Researcher and Entry Into the Field
  • Sampling in Qualitative Research
  • Types of Qualitative Data
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Classroom Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 9: Phenomenology, Ethnography, and Grounded Theory Designs
  • Introduction
  • An Overview of Phenomenology Designs
  • An Overview of Ethnography Designs
  • An Overview of Netnography and Autoethnography Designs
  • An Overview of Grounded Theory Designs
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Classroom Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 10: Narrative Inquiry, Case Study, and Critical Theory Designs
  • Introduction
  • Narrative Research Designs
  • Case Study Designs
  • Critical Theory Designs
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Question Answer Key
  • Chapter 11: Quasi-Experimental Designs
  • Introduction
  • Quasi-Experiments and Quasi-Independent Variables
  • One-Group Designs
  • Quasi-Experimental Design: Nonequivalent Control Group Designs
  • Quasi-Experimental Design: Time-Series Designs
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 12: Single-Case Experimental Designs
  • Introduction
  • Single-Case Designs: Reversal, Multiple-Baseline, Changing Criterion, Alternate Treatment
  • Standards for Single-Case Designs
  • Analysis of Single-Case Designs
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 13: Group Experimental Designs: Between Subjects, Within Subjects, and Factorial
  • Introduction
  • Conducting Experiments: Between-Subjects Design
  • Creating Groups and Control of the Independent Variable
  • Conducting Experiments: Within-Subjects Design
  • Conducting Experiments: Factorial Experimental Designs
  • Use of Test Statistics for Group Experimental Designs
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 14: Mixed Methods Research Designs
  • Introduction
  • Applying a Mixed Methods Design
  • Types of Mixed Methods Research Designs
  • Advanced Mixed Methods Designs
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 15: Action Research
  • Introduction
  • Distinguishing Traditional Research from Action Research
  • Types of Action Research
  • The Process of Conducting Action Research
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 16: Program Evaluation
  • Introduction
  • The Fundamentals of Program Evaluation
  • Program Evaluation Standards, Uses, and Limitations
  • Classifications of Program Evaluation
  • Models for Program Evaluation
  • Steps in Program Evaluation
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 17: Analysis and Interpretation: Exposition of Data
  • Introduction
  • Descriptive Statistics: Why Summarize Data?
  • Frequency Distributions: Tables and Graphs
  • Measures of Central Tendency
  • Measures of Variability
  • Graphing Means and Correlations
  • Using Correlation to Describe Reliability
  • Standard Scores, z Scores, Percentile Ranks, and Age/Grade Equivalents
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 18: Analysis and Interpretation: Making Inferences about Data
  • Introduction
  • Inferential Statistics: What Are We Making Inferences About?
  • Types of Error and Power
  • Parametric Tests: Applying the Decision Tree
  • Main Effects and Interactions
  • Nonparametric Tests: Applying the Decision Tree
  • Effect Size: How Big Is an Effect in the Population?
  • Estimation: What Are the Possible Values of a Parameter?
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 19: Analysis and Interpretation: Making Inferences About Qualitative Data
  • Introduction
  • Qualitative Versus Quantitative Data Analysis
  • Decisions About How to Record Narrative Data
  • Decisions About Qualitative Data Analysis and Interpretation
  • General Process of Qualitative Data Analysis
  • Interpretations Made Using Different Qualitative Designs in the Data Analysis Process
  • Criteria of Trustworthiness
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 20: Communicating Research: Preparing Manuscripts, Posters, and Talks
  • Introduction
  • Elements of Communication
  • Writing a Manuscript: Writing Style and Language
  • Elements of an APA-Style Manuscript
  • Literature Reviews
  • Reporting Observations in Qualitative Research
  • Poster Presentations and Professional Talks
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Classroom Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key

Appendix A: APA-Style Writing, Sample Manuscript, and Posters

Appendix A: APA-Style Writing, Sample Manuscript, and Posters

Appendix B: Instructions for Randomizing and Counterbalancing

Appendix B: Instructions for Randomizing and Counterbalancing

References

References

Index

Index

Description

Research Methods for Education, Second Edition employs a conversational tone to frame research as a logical, step-by-step process of making research decisions. Helping students translate their complex educational research questions into a plan for a research project, the text focuses on applying scientific methods in real-world educational contexts. Authors Sandra L. Dika, Lynn Ahlgrim-Delzell, and Gregory J. Privitera show how methods and analysis work together to create credible, reliable, and valid quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods educational research. Chapters logically follow the research design and analysis process as in the first edition, with a focus on ethics, measurement, literature reviews, and participant selection before moving through various research designs, including nonexperimental, quasi-experimental, experimental, qualitative, and mixed methods. Significant updates include a restructured table of contents with more emphasis on quasi-experimental research and single-case designs and more logical flow of content. New sections on validity incorporate national standards, while more clarification of qualitative and mixed methods designs helps students better understand these approaches. Throughout, new educational examples and data have been added, as well as updates for the APA 7th edition guidelines.

Contents

Preface

Preface

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

  • Chapter 1: Introduction to Scientific Thinking and the Science of Education
  • Introduction
  • The Scientific Method and Its Relevance in Educational Research
  • Approaches in Acquiring Knowledge
  • Generating and Converting Ideas to Hypotheses and Theories
  • Performing a Literature Review
  • Testing Your Idea: Confirmation and Disconfirmation
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Classroom Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Question Answer Key
  • Chapter 2: Research Ethics
  • Introduction
  • Ethics in Educational Research
  • The Need for Ethics Committees in Research: A Historical Synopsis
  • Ethics in Focus: Classic Examples from Psychology
  • Human Participant Research: IRBs and the AERA Code of Ethics
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 3: Scientific Variables, Measurement, and Instrumentation
  • Introduction
  • Defining Variables, Constructs, and Operational Definitions
  • Types of Variables
  • Scales of Measurement
  • Classifying Data Collection Instruments
  • Tests and Measures
  • Questionnaire Items and Administration
  • Concepts in Validity and Reliability of Measurement
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 4: Sampling From Populations
  • Introduction
  • Why Do Researchers Select Samples?
  • Subjects, Participants, and Sampling Methods
  • Methods of Sampling: Nonprobability Sampling
  • Methods of Sampling: Probability Sampling
  • Sampling Error and Standard Error of the Mean
  • Potential Biases in Sampling
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 5: Choosing a Research Design
  • Introduction
  • Designing a Study to Answer a Question
  • Categories of Research Design
  • Internal and External Validity
  • Demonstrating Cause in an Experiment
  • Threats to the Internal Validity of a Research Study
  • Threats to the External Validity of a Research Study
  • External Validity, Experimentation, and Realism
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 6: Naturalistic and Existing Data Research Designs
  • Introduction
  • An Overview of Naturalistic Design
  • The Research Setting: Natural and Contrived Settings
  • Techniques for Making Unobtrusive Observations
  • Operationalizing Observations
  • Quantifying Observations
  • An Overview of Existing Data Designs
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 7 : Survey and Correlational Research Designs
  • Introduction
  • An Overview of Survey Designs
  • Surveys, Sampling, and Nonresponse Bias
  • Steps in Administering a Survey
  • The Structure of Correlational Designs
  • Describing the Relationship Between Variables
  • Limitations in Interpretation
  • Correlation, Regression, and Prediction
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 8: Introduction to Qualitative Research
  • Introduction
  • What Is Qualitative Research?
  • Distinctions Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research
  • Three Theoretical Perspectives in Qualitative Research
  • Steps in Qualitative Research
  • Role of the Researcher and Entry Into the Field
  • Sampling in Qualitative Research
  • Types of Qualitative Data
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Classroom Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 9: Phenomenology, Ethnography, and Grounded Theory Designs
  • Introduction
  • An Overview of Phenomenology Designs
  • An Overview of Ethnography Designs
  • An Overview of Netnography and Autoethnography Designs
  • An Overview of Grounded Theory Designs
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Classroom Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 10: Narrative Inquiry, Case Study, and Critical Theory Designs
  • Introduction
  • Narrative Research Designs
  • Case Study Designs
  • Critical Theory Designs
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Question Answer Key
  • Chapter 11: Quasi-Experimental Designs
  • Introduction
  • Quasi-Experiments and Quasi-Independent Variables
  • One-Group Designs
  • Quasi-Experimental Design: Nonequivalent Control Group Designs
  • Quasi-Experimental Design: Time-Series Designs
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 12: Single-Case Experimental Designs
  • Introduction
  • Single-Case Designs: Reversal, Multiple-Baseline, Changing Criterion, Alternate Treatment
  • Standards for Single-Case Designs
  • Analysis of Single-Case Designs
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 13: Group Experimental Designs: Between Subjects, Within Subjects, and Factorial
  • Introduction
  • Conducting Experiments: Between-Subjects Design
  • Creating Groups and Control of the Independent Variable
  • Conducting Experiments: Within-Subjects Design
  • Conducting Experiments: Factorial Experimental Designs
  • Use of Test Statistics for Group Experimental Designs
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 14: Mixed Methods Research Designs
  • Introduction
  • Applying a Mixed Methods Design
  • Types of Mixed Methods Research Designs
  • Advanced Mixed Methods Designs
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 15: Action Research
  • Introduction
  • Distinguishing Traditional Research from Action Research
  • Types of Action Research
  • The Process of Conducting Action Research
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 16: Program Evaluation
  • Introduction
  • The Fundamentals of Program Evaluation
  • Program Evaluation Standards, Uses, and Limitations
  • Classifications of Program Evaluation
  • Models for Program Evaluation
  • Steps in Program Evaluation
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 17: Analysis and Interpretation: Exposition of Data
  • Introduction
  • Descriptive Statistics: Why Summarize Data?
  • Frequency Distributions: Tables and Graphs
  • Measures of Central Tendency
  • Measures of Variability
  • Graphing Means and Correlations
  • Using Correlation to Describe Reliability
  • Standard Scores, z Scores, Percentile Ranks, and Age/Grade Equivalents
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 18: Analysis and Interpretation: Making Inferences about Data
  • Introduction
  • Inferential Statistics: What Are We Making Inferences About?
  • Types of Error and Power
  • Parametric Tests: Applying the Decision Tree
  • Main Effects and Interactions
  • Nonparametric Tests: Applying the Decision Tree
  • Effect Size: How Big Is an Effect in the Population?
  • Estimation: What Are the Possible Values of a Parameter?
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 19: Analysis and Interpretation: Making Inferences About Qualitative Data
  • Introduction
  • Qualitative Versus Quantitative Data Analysis
  • Decisions About How to Record Narrative Data
  • Decisions About Qualitative Data Analysis and Interpretation
  • General Process of Qualitative Data Analysis
  • Interpretations Made Using Different Qualitative Designs in the Data Analysis Process
  • Criteria of Trustworthiness
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 20: Communicating Research: Preparing Manuscripts, Posters, and Talks
  • Introduction
  • Elements of Communication
  • Writing a Manuscript: Writing Style and Language
  • Elements of an APA-Style Manuscript
  • Literature Reviews
  • Reporting Observations in Qualitative Research
  • Poster Presentations and Professional Talks
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Classroom Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key

Appendix A: APA-Style Writing, Sample Manuscript, and Posters

Appendix A: APA-Style Writing, Sample Manuscript, and Posters

Appendix B: Instructions for Randomizing and Counterbalancing

Appendix B: Instructions for Randomizing and Counterbalancing

References

References

Index

Index

September 2025 | 680 pages | Sage US

Format Published Date ISBN Price

Research Methods for Education, Second Edition employs a conversational tone to frame research as a logical, step-by-step process of making research decisions. Helping students translate their complex educational research questions into a plan for a research project, the text focuses on applying scientific methods in real-world educational contexts. Authors Sandra L. Dika, Lynn Ahlgrim-Delzell, and Gregory J. Privitera show how methods and analysis work together to create credible, reliable, and valid quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods educational research. Chapters logically follow the research design and analysis process as in the first edition, with a focus on ethics, measurement, literature reviews, and participant selection before moving through various research designs, including nonexperimental, quasi-experimental, experimental, qualitative, and mixed methods. Significant updates include a restructured table of contents with more emphasis on quasi-experimental research and single-case designs and more logical flow of content. New sections on validity incorporate national standards, while more clarification of qualitative and mixed methods designs helps students better understand these approaches. Throughout, new educational examples and data have been added, as well as updates for the APA 7th edition guidelines.

Table Of Contents:

  • Preface
  • Acknowledgments
  • About the Authors
  • Chapter 1: Introduction to Scientific Thinking and the Science of Education
  • Introduction
  • The Scientific Method and Its Relevance in Educational Research
  • Approaches in Acquiring Knowledge
  • Generating and Converting Ideas to Hypotheses and Theories
  • Performing a Literature Review
  • Testing Your Idea: Confirmation and Disconfirmation
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Classroom Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Question Answer Key
  • Chapter 2: Research Ethics
  • Introduction
  • Ethics in Educational Research
  • The Need for Ethics Committees in Research: A Historical Synopsis
  • Ethics in Focus: Classic Examples from Psychology
  • Human Participant Research: IRBs and the AERA Code of Ethics
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 3: Scientific Variables, Measurement, and Instrumentation
  • Introduction
  • Defining Variables, Constructs, and Operational Definitions
  • Types of Variables
  • Scales of Measurement
  • Classifying Data Collection Instruments
  • Tests and Measures
  • Questionnaire Items and Administration
  • Concepts in Validity and Reliability of Measurement
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 4: Sampling From Populations
  • Introduction
  • Why Do Researchers Select Samples?
  • Subjects, Participants, and Sampling Methods
  • Methods of Sampling: Nonprobability Sampling
  • Methods of Sampling: Probability Sampling
  • Sampling Error and Standard Error of the Mean
  • Potential Biases in Sampling
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 5: Choosing a Research Design
  • Introduction
  • Designing a Study to Answer a Question
  • Categories of Research Design
  • Internal and External Validity
  • Demonstrating Cause in an Experiment
  • Threats to the Internal Validity of a Research Study
  • Threats to the External Validity of a Research Study
  • External Validity, Experimentation, and Realism
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 6: Naturalistic and Existing Data Research Designs
  • Introduction
  • An Overview of Naturalistic Design
  • The Research Setting: Natural and Contrived Settings
  • Techniques for Making Unobtrusive Observations
  • Operationalizing Observations
  • Quantifying Observations
  • An Overview of Existing Data Designs
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 7 : Survey and Correlational Research Designs
  • Introduction
  • An Overview of Survey Designs
  • Surveys, Sampling, and Nonresponse Bias
  • Steps in Administering a Survey
  • The Structure of Correlational Designs
  • Describing the Relationship Between Variables
  • Limitations in Interpretation
  • Correlation, Regression, and Prediction
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 8: Introduction to Qualitative Research
  • Introduction
  • What Is Qualitative Research?
  • Distinctions Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research
  • Three Theoretical Perspectives in Qualitative Research
  • Steps in Qualitative Research
  • Role of the Researcher and Entry Into the Field
  • Sampling in Qualitative Research
  • Types of Qualitative Data
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Classroom Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 9: Phenomenology, Ethnography, and Grounded Theory Designs
  • Introduction
  • An Overview of Phenomenology Designs
  • An Overview of Ethnography Designs
  • An Overview of Netnography and Autoethnography Designs
  • An Overview of Grounded Theory Designs
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Classroom Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 10: Narrative Inquiry, Case Study, and Critical Theory Designs
  • Introduction
  • Narrative Research Designs
  • Case Study Designs
  • Critical Theory Designs
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Question Answer Key
  • Chapter 11: Quasi-Experimental Designs
  • Introduction
  • Quasi-Experiments and Quasi-Independent Variables
  • One-Group Designs
  • Quasi-Experimental Design: Nonequivalent Control Group Designs
  • Quasi-Experimental Design: Time-Series Designs
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 12: Single-Case Experimental Designs
  • Introduction
  • Single-Case Designs: Reversal, Multiple-Baseline, Changing Criterion, Alternate Treatment
  • Standards for Single-Case Designs
  • Analysis of Single-Case Designs
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 13: Group Experimental Designs: Between Subjects, Within Subjects, and Factorial
  • Introduction
  • Conducting Experiments: Between-Subjects Design
  • Creating Groups and Control of the Independent Variable
  • Conducting Experiments: Within-Subjects Design
  • Conducting Experiments: Factorial Experimental Designs
  • Use of Test Statistics for Group Experimental Designs
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 14: Mixed Methods Research Designs
  • Introduction
  • Applying a Mixed Methods Design
  • Types of Mixed Methods Research Designs
  • Advanced Mixed Methods Designs
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 15: Action Research
  • Introduction
  • Distinguishing Traditional Research from Action Research
  • Types of Action Research
  • The Process of Conducting Action Research
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 16: Program Evaluation
  • Introduction
  • The Fundamentals of Program Evaluation
  • Program Evaluation Standards, Uses, and Limitations
  • Classifications of Program Evaluation
  • Models for Program Evaluation
  • Steps in Program Evaluation
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 17: Analysis and Interpretation: Exposition of Data
  • Introduction
  • Descriptive Statistics: Why Summarize Data?
  • Frequency Distributions: Tables and Graphs
  • Measures of Central Tendency
  • Measures of Variability
  • Graphing Means and Correlations
  • Using Correlation to Describe Reliability
  • Standard Scores, z Scores, Percentile Ranks, and Age/Grade Equivalents
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 18: Analysis and Interpretation: Making Inferences about Data
  • Introduction
  • Inferential Statistics: What Are We Making Inferences About?
  • Types of Error and Power
  • Parametric Tests: Applying the Decision Tree
  • Main Effects and Interactions
  • Nonparametric Tests: Applying the Decision Tree
  • Effect Size: How Big Is an Effect in the Population?
  • Estimation: What Are the Possible Values of a Parameter?
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 19: Analysis and Interpretation: Making Inferences About Qualitative Data
  • Introduction
  • Qualitative Versus Quantitative Data Analysis
  • Decisions About How to Record Narrative Data
  • Decisions About Qualitative Data Analysis and Interpretation
  • General Process of Qualitative Data Analysis
  • Interpretations Made Using Different Qualitative Designs in the Data Analysis Process
  • Criteria of Trustworthiness
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Class Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Chapter 20: Communicating Research: Preparing Manuscripts, Posters, and Talks
  • Introduction
  • Elements of Communication
  • Writing a Manuscript: Writing Style and Language
  • Elements of an APA-Style Manuscript
  • Literature Reviews
  • Reporting Observations in Qualitative Research
  • Poster Presentations and Professional Talks
  • Chapter Summary
  • Key Terms
  • Review Questions
  • Questions and Activities for Classroom Discussion
  • Learning Check Answer Key
  • Review Questions Answer Key
  • Appendix A: APA-Style Writing, Sample Manuscript, and Posters
  • Appendix B: Instructions for Randomizing and Counterbalancing
  • References
  • Index

Recent Product Reviews:

The book offers clear, applicable examples and discussions for important lessons in research. It is formatted for readability and engagement. Students would find the text boxes and prompts encouraging as they work to understand new concepts and processes.
Maria Gray, Northeastern State University
A well-organized, articulate, and engaging introduction to the principles of educational research.
Mary Dereshiwsky, Northern Arizona University
This text provides a broad overview and introduction to research methods and processes for teacher researchers. It allows the reader to understand the options of how to move forward with their research project in education.
Dr. Stefanie Boutelier, Aquinas College
Provides great examples throughout and conceptually pushes students to think about research methods in terms of what they read and what they do.
Erin M. Ramirez, California State University, Monterey Bay
The strength of [this] book lies in its extensive coverage of a wide range of research designs, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques relevant to educational research. It expertly guides students through quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches, equipping them with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of educational research. The inclusion of real-world examples and case studies further enhances the students' understanding of the application of research methods in educational settings. [T]he book is written in a clear and accessible manner.
Dunja Trunk, Bloomfield College

Recommendations