Research Methods for Education
2nd Edition
Published on 18. March 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
680 pages
978-1-0718-9500-9 (ISBN)
Description
This updated Second Edition of Research Methods for Education transforms complex research concepts into an accessible, step-by-step guide for creating credible educational studies. Packed with real-world examples, it sharpens skills in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods while aligning with the latest APA guidelines, ensuring students are ready to tackle modern educational challenges.
Reviews / Votes
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 A well-organized, articulate, and engaging introduction to the principles of educational research. -- Mary Dereshiwsky * Pre-revision review * This text provides a broad overview and introduction to research methods and processes for teacher researchers. It allows the readerto understand the options of how to move forward with their research project in education. -- Dr. Stefanie Boutelier * Pre-revision review * Comprehensive, easy to understand, covers a broad variety of topics. -- Jagdish Khubchandani 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 * Pre-revision review * 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 * Pre-revision review * Privitera and Ahlgrim-Delzell have masterfully approached educational research methods in the way this discipline deserves: through a problem-focused paradigm that outlines the process students will follow in deciding how to tackle the thorny problems of our beloved profession. As a current K-12 practitioner with a doctorate in higher education administration who has taught graduate-level research methods for the past 15 years, I strongly recommend this text. It's readable, problem-focused, accessible, and edifying. -- Dr. Jeff Savage This text provides a comprehensive and detailed introduction and overview to qualitative methodologies, methods of data collection and analysis, and guidelines for rigorous and ethical conduct of qualitative inquiry, all through a critical theoretical lens. -- Amira Proweller, PhD Has detailed information on various topics so that I can use with either my master's or doctoral students. -- Tracy M. Walker Privitera concisely and simply addresses the research process and gives students the ability to understand the basic research strategies. -- Scott Drabenstot
More details
Edition
2nd Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Thousand Oaks
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Edition type
Revised edition
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 203 mm
Weight
1216 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-0718-9500-9 (9781071895009)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Sandra L. Dika is a professor of educational research at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she has taught graduate-level research methods courses since 2010 and served as Ph.D. program director from 2018 to 2025. A first-generation college graduate, she earned her B.Ed. and M.Sc. from the University of Alberta and her Ph.D. in educational research and evaluation from Virginia Tech. Prior to UNC Charlotte, she held positions at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagueez, Virginia Tech, and Brown University.
Dr. Dika's research focuses on college access, student success, and equity for historically underserved and minoritized populations. She has published more than 75 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and proceedings papers, and has led research funded by the Spencer Foundation, National Science Foundation, and the John M. Belk Endowment. She also serves as an external evaluator for STEM education initiatives.
Her teaching and mentorship have earned her the UNC Charlotte College of Education's Excellence in Teaching and Excellence in Research Awards, and she was named a Catalyst Research Fellow in 2018. She has chaired or served on over 40 dissertation committees and has mentored more than 20 student co-authors, with two of her dissertation advisees receiving dissertation of the year awards. Dr. Dika also contributes to graduate curriculum development in research methodology.
Outside of academia, she enjoys hiking, traveling, cheering on her children's sports and hobbies, and connecting with friends and family over coffee or a shared meal.
Gregory J. Privitera is a three-time national-award-winning author and a professor of psychology at St. Bonaventure University where he is a recipient of its highest teaching honor, The Award for Professional Excellence in Teaching, and its highest honor for scholarship, The Award for Professional Excellence in Research and Publication. Dr. Privitera received his PhD in behavioral neuroscience in the field of psychology at the State University of New York at Buffalo and continued with his postdoctoral research at Arizona State University. His texts span diverse topics in psychology and the behavioral sciences and include an introductory psychology text, three statistics texts, two research methods texts, and multiple other texts bridging knowledge creation across health, health care, and analytics. In addition, Dr. Privitera has authored more than three dozen peer-reviewed papers aimed at advancing our understanding of health, health literacy, and informing policy in health care. His research has earned recognition by the American Psychological Association and in media to include Oprah's Magazine, Time Magazine and the Wall Street Journal. He mentors a variety of undergraduate research projects at St. Bonaventure University, where dozens of students, many of whom have gone on to earn graduate and doctoral degrees at various institutions, have coauthored and presented research work. In addition to his teaching, research, and advisement, Dr. Privitera is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, is an identical twin, and is married with two daughters, Grace Ann and Charlotte Jane, and two sons, Aiden Andrew and Luca James.
Dr. Dika's research focuses on college access, student success, and equity for historically underserved and minoritized populations. She has published more than 75 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and proceedings papers, and has led research funded by the Spencer Foundation, National Science Foundation, and the John M. Belk Endowment. She also serves as an external evaluator for STEM education initiatives.
Her teaching and mentorship have earned her the UNC Charlotte College of Education's Excellence in Teaching and Excellence in Research Awards, and she was named a Catalyst Research Fellow in 2018. She has chaired or served on over 40 dissertation committees and has mentored more than 20 student co-authors, with two of her dissertation advisees receiving dissertation of the year awards. Dr. Dika also contributes to graduate curriculum development in research methodology.
Outside of academia, she enjoys hiking, traveling, cheering on her children's sports and hobbies, and connecting with friends and family over coffee or a shared meal.
Gregory J. Privitera is a three-time national-award-winning author and a professor of psychology at St. Bonaventure University where he is a recipient of its highest teaching honor, The Award for Professional Excellence in Teaching, and its highest honor for scholarship, The Award for Professional Excellence in Research and Publication. Dr. Privitera received his PhD in behavioral neuroscience in the field of psychology at the State University of New York at Buffalo and continued with his postdoctoral research at Arizona State University. His texts span diverse topics in psychology and the behavioral sciences and include an introductory psychology text, three statistics texts, two research methods texts, and multiple other texts bridging knowledge creation across health, health care, and analytics. In addition, Dr. Privitera has authored more than three dozen peer-reviewed papers aimed at advancing our understanding of health, health literacy, and informing policy in health care. His research has earned recognition by the American Psychological Association and in media to include Oprah's Magazine, Time Magazine and the Wall Street Journal. He mentors a variety of undergraduate research projects at St. Bonaventure University, where dozens of students, many of whom have gone on to earn graduate and doctoral degrees at various institutions, have coauthored and presented research work. In addition to his teaching, research, and advisement, Dr. Privitera is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, is an identical twin, and is married with two daughters, Grace Ann and Charlotte Jane, and two sons, Aiden Andrew and Luca James.
Content
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
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