Applying Educational Research (with MyEducationLab)
6th Edition
Published on 14. December 2010
Book
Mixed media product
592 pages
978-0-13-610113-0 (ISBN)
Description
This text brings research alive for educators by introducing readers to people who actually "do" research. It is intended for instructors who emphasize teaching students how to locate, read, and interpret and apply the findings of educational research studies. The revision addresses how to design and conduct a research study in more detail.
The text includes numerous recent, published research articles involving high-interest problems of educational practice. The chapters, which treat quantitative, qualitative, and applied forms of educational research, stand alone, allowing instructors to choose those they want to cover. Designed for courses focused primarily on applying, rather than conducting research, this text includes 13 actual research articles, reprinted in their entirety. The primary author of each article then offers original commentary on his/her piece. Through this format, the text presents a comprehensive explanation of the methodologies used by present-day researchers, data-collection challenges, and the meaning of the results. The book makes no assumptions about readers' prior knowledge of research or statistics.
This text builds students' confidence so that they are able to successfully read research reports and research. Through its clear yet scholarly treatment and numerous examples of educational research the text addresses the learning and application needs of an increasingly wider spectrum of students and practitioners in the field of education. For the first time, readerswill see the relevance of research to educational practice.
The text includes numerous recent, published research articles involving high-interest problems of educational practice. The chapters, which treat quantitative, qualitative, and applied forms of educational research, stand alone, allowing instructors to choose those they want to cover. Designed for courses focused primarily on applying, rather than conducting research, this text includes 13 actual research articles, reprinted in their entirety. The primary author of each article then offers original commentary on his/her piece. Through this format, the text presents a comprehensive explanation of the methodologies used by present-day researchers, data-collection challenges, and the meaning of the results. The book makes no assumptions about readers' prior knowledge of research or statistics.
This text builds students' confidence so that they are able to successfully read research reports and research. Through its clear yet scholarly treatment and numerous examples of educational research the text addresses the learning and application needs of an increasingly wider spectrum of students and practitioners in the field of education. For the first time, readerswill see the relevance of research to educational practice.
More details
Edition
6th edition
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Pearson Education (US)
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 191 mm
Weight
1338 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-13-610113-0 (9780136101130)
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
Other editions
Previous edition
Book
06/2004
5th Edition
Pearson
€99.22
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Content
PART I: INTRODUCTION
Chapter 1 Using Research Evidence to Improve Educational Practice
Introduction
Evidence-Based Professional Practice
Evidence-Based Practice in Education
Collaborating with Researchers
The Purpose of Educational Research
Characteristics of Research as an Approach to Inquiry
Quantitative and Qualitative Research
A Personal Note: The Research "Spark"
An Example of How Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 2 Doing Your Own Research: From Proposal to Final Report
Introduction
Identifying a Research Problem
Outlining a Quantitative or Qualitative Research Proposal
Other Steps in the Research Process
Examples of Outlining a Research Proposal
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
PART II: APPLYING EXISTING RESEARCH STUDIES TO PROBLEMS
OF PRACTICE
Chapter 3 Conducting and Writing Your Own Literature Review
Introduction
Two Types of Literature Review
A Systematic Procedure for Doing Formal Literature Reviews
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Sample Literature Review: Shifting the Paradigm from "At Risk" to "At Promise": A Review of the Construct of Resilience and Its Educational Applications
Chapter 4 Using Search Engines in a Literature Review
The Purpose of Search Engines and Indexes
Selecting a Useful Search Engine
Using a Search Engine to Focus a Literature Review
Obtaining a Publication after a Literature Search
Self-Check Test
Chapter Reference
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 5 Making Use of Available Literature Reviews
Advantages of Available Literature Reviews
Systematic Syntheses of Research Findings
Professional Literature Reviews
Locating Published Reviews of the Education Literature
Criteria for Evaluating Published Literature Reviews
An Example of How Literature Reviews Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
PART III: USING QUANTITATIVE METHODOLOGY TO STUDY
PROBLEMS OF PRACTICE
Chapter 6 Analyzing and Evaluating Reports of Quantitative Research Studies
Organization of a Quantitative Research Report
Abstract and Introduction
Method Section: Sampling Procedures
Method Section: Measures
Types of Measures
Validity of Measures
Reliability of Measures
Item Response Theory
Limitations to Tests of Validity and Reliability
Sources of Information about Established Measures
Developing a Measure
Method Section: Research Design and Procedures
Results Section
Discussion Section
An Example of How Quantitative Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 7 Using Descriptive Statistics to Study Problems of Practice
Introduction
Constructs, Variables, and Measurement Scales
Statistical Analysis of Data
Descriptive Statistics
Measures of Variability
Multivariate Descriptive Statistics
Calculating Descriptive Statistics
An Example of How Descriptive Statistics Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 8 The Practical Significance of Statistical Results
The Practical Significance of Statistical Results
Comparisons with Personal and Organizational Standards
Comparisons with Ideal Standards
Comparisons with Curriculum Standards
Comparisons Based on Rankings
Comparisons Involving Tables of Norms
Comparisons Involving Standard Scores
Effect Sizes
Gain Scores
An Example of How Determining the Practical Significance of Statistical Results Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 9 Tests of Statistical Significance
The Logic of Statistical Significance and Confidence Intervals
Inferential Statistics
Tests of Statistical Significance
Calculating Statistics
Using Statistics to Improve Professional Practice
An Example of How Tests of Statistical Significance Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 10 Descriptive Research
The Relevance of Descriptive Research to Educational Practice
Features of a Descriptive Research Report
Evaluating a Descriptive Research Study
An Example of How Descriptive Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 11 Group-Comparison Research
Classification of Quantitative Research Designs
The Relevance of Group-Comparison Research to Educational Practice
Examples of Group-Comparison Research
Features of a Causal-Comparative Research Report
Evaluating a Causal-Comparison Research Study
An Example of How Group-Comparison Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 12 Correlational Research
Comparison of Correlational and Group-Comparison Research Designs
Examples of Correlational Research
Correlation between Two Variables
Multivariate Correlation
Features of a Correlational Research Report
Discussion: Implications for Practice
Evaluating a Correlational Research Study
An Example of How Correlational Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 13 Experimental Research
The Relevance of Experimental Research to Educational Practice
Characteristics of Experiments
Examples of Experimental Research
Features of a Report of a Pretest-Posttest Control-Group Experiment with Randomization
Other Group-Experiment Designs
Threats to the Internal Validity of Experiments
Threats Directly Involving the Experimental Intervention
Threats to the External Validity of Experiments
Single-Case Experiments
Features of a Report of a Single-Case Experiment
Evaluating an Experimental Research Study
An Example of How Experimental Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
PART IV: USING QUALITATIVE METHODOLOGY TO STUDY
PROBLEMS OF PRACTICE
Chapter 14 Case Study Research
Case Studies: Relevance to Educational Practice
Key Characteristics of Case Studies
Examples of Case Studies
The Nature of Qualitative Research
Features of a Case Study Report
Applying Case Study Findings to Problems of Practice
An Example of How Case Study Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 15 Narrative Research
Narrative Research: Relevance to Educational Practice
Examples of Narrative Research in Education
Features of a Narrative Research Report
Evaluating a Narrative Research Study
An Example of How Narrative Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 16 Ethnographic and Critical Ethnographic Research
The Use of Critical Ethnography to Study Problems of Practice in Education
The Characteristics of Ethnographic Research
Examples of Ethnographic Research
Critical Research as a Field of Inquiry and Practice
Foundations of Critical Research in Education
Features of a Critical Ethnographic Research Report
Evaluating Ethnographies and Critical Ethnographies
An Example of How Ethnography and Critical Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 17 Historical Research
The Nature of Historical Research
The Role of Historical Research in Education
Methods of Historical Research
Identifying Historical Sources
Validating Historical Evidence
Interpreting Historical Data
Features of a Historical Research Report
Evaluating Historical Research
An Example of How Historical Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
PART V: COMBINING QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE METHODOLOGIES TO STUDY PROBLEMS OF PRACTICE
Chapter 18 Mixed-Methods Research
The Need for Multiple Research Methods
Types of Mixed-Methods Research
Reading a Mixed-Methods Research Report
Evaluating the Report of a Mixed-Methods Study
An Example of How Mixed-Methods Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
PART VI: USING OTHER METHODOLOGIES TO STUDY PROBLEMS OF PRACTICE
Chapter 19 Action Research
The History of Action Research
Using Action Research to Address Problems of Practice
Examples of Action Research Studies
Design Features of Action Research
How Action Research Differs from Educators' Other Approaches to
Problem Solving
Purposes and Benefits of Action Research
Applying Action Science to Action Research
The Insider-Outsider Issue in Collaborative Action Research
Evaluating the Credibility and Trustworthiness of Action Research
An Example of How Action Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 20 Evaluation Research
The Use of Evaluation Research in Educational Decision-Making
Examples of Evaluation Research
Programs as a Focus of Evaluation Research
Evaluation Research as a Political Activity
Models of Evaluation Research
How to Read an Evaluation Report
Evaluating an Evaluation Research Study
An Example of How Program Evaluations Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
SELF-CHECK TEST ANSWERS
APPENDICES
1. Guide for Outlining a Quantitative or Qualitative Research Proposal
2. Questions To Ask Yourself When Evaluating a Report of a Quantitative Study
3. Questions to Ask Yourself When Evaluating a Report of a Qualitative Study
4. Design-Specific Questions to Ask Yourself When Evaluating a Research Report
Chapter 1 Using Research Evidence to Improve Educational Practice
Introduction
Evidence-Based Professional Practice
Evidence-Based Practice in Education
Collaborating with Researchers
The Purpose of Educational Research
Characteristics of Research as an Approach to Inquiry
Quantitative and Qualitative Research
A Personal Note: The Research "Spark"
An Example of How Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 2 Doing Your Own Research: From Proposal to Final Report
Introduction
Identifying a Research Problem
Outlining a Quantitative or Qualitative Research Proposal
Other Steps in the Research Process
Examples of Outlining a Research Proposal
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
PART II: APPLYING EXISTING RESEARCH STUDIES TO PROBLEMS
OF PRACTICE
Chapter 3 Conducting and Writing Your Own Literature Review
Introduction
Two Types of Literature Review
A Systematic Procedure for Doing Formal Literature Reviews
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Sample Literature Review: Shifting the Paradigm from "At Risk" to "At Promise": A Review of the Construct of Resilience and Its Educational Applications
Chapter 4 Using Search Engines in a Literature Review
The Purpose of Search Engines and Indexes
Selecting a Useful Search Engine
Using a Search Engine to Focus a Literature Review
Obtaining a Publication after a Literature Search
Self-Check Test
Chapter Reference
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 5 Making Use of Available Literature Reviews
Advantages of Available Literature Reviews
Systematic Syntheses of Research Findings
Professional Literature Reviews
Locating Published Reviews of the Education Literature
Criteria for Evaluating Published Literature Reviews
An Example of How Literature Reviews Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
PART III: USING QUANTITATIVE METHODOLOGY TO STUDY
PROBLEMS OF PRACTICE
Chapter 6 Analyzing and Evaluating Reports of Quantitative Research Studies
Organization of a Quantitative Research Report
Abstract and Introduction
Method Section: Sampling Procedures
Method Section: Measures
Types of Measures
Validity of Measures
Reliability of Measures
Item Response Theory
Limitations to Tests of Validity and Reliability
Sources of Information about Established Measures
Developing a Measure
Method Section: Research Design and Procedures
Results Section
Discussion Section
An Example of How Quantitative Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 7 Using Descriptive Statistics to Study Problems of Practice
Introduction
Constructs, Variables, and Measurement Scales
Statistical Analysis of Data
Descriptive Statistics
Measures of Variability
Multivariate Descriptive Statistics
Calculating Descriptive Statistics
An Example of How Descriptive Statistics Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 8 The Practical Significance of Statistical Results
The Practical Significance of Statistical Results
Comparisons with Personal and Organizational Standards
Comparisons with Ideal Standards
Comparisons with Curriculum Standards
Comparisons Based on Rankings
Comparisons Involving Tables of Norms
Comparisons Involving Standard Scores
Effect Sizes
Gain Scores
An Example of How Determining the Practical Significance of Statistical Results Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 9 Tests of Statistical Significance
The Logic of Statistical Significance and Confidence Intervals
Inferential Statistics
Tests of Statistical Significance
Calculating Statistics
Using Statistics to Improve Professional Practice
An Example of How Tests of Statistical Significance Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 10 Descriptive Research
The Relevance of Descriptive Research to Educational Practice
Features of a Descriptive Research Report
Evaluating a Descriptive Research Study
An Example of How Descriptive Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 11 Group-Comparison Research
Classification of Quantitative Research Designs
The Relevance of Group-Comparison Research to Educational Practice
Examples of Group-Comparison Research
Features of a Causal-Comparative Research Report
Evaluating a Causal-Comparison Research Study
An Example of How Group-Comparison Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 12 Correlational Research
Comparison of Correlational and Group-Comparison Research Designs
Examples of Correlational Research
Correlation between Two Variables
Multivariate Correlation
Features of a Correlational Research Report
Discussion: Implications for Practice
Evaluating a Correlational Research Study
An Example of How Correlational Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 13 Experimental Research
The Relevance of Experimental Research to Educational Practice
Characteristics of Experiments
Examples of Experimental Research
Features of a Report of a Pretest-Posttest Control-Group Experiment with Randomization
Other Group-Experiment Designs
Threats to the Internal Validity of Experiments
Threats Directly Involving the Experimental Intervention
Threats to the External Validity of Experiments
Single-Case Experiments
Features of a Report of a Single-Case Experiment
Evaluating an Experimental Research Study
An Example of How Experimental Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
PART IV: USING QUALITATIVE METHODOLOGY TO STUDY
PROBLEMS OF PRACTICE
Chapter 14 Case Study Research
Case Studies: Relevance to Educational Practice
Key Characteristics of Case Studies
Examples of Case Studies
The Nature of Qualitative Research
Features of a Case Study Report
Applying Case Study Findings to Problems of Practice
An Example of How Case Study Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 15 Narrative Research
Narrative Research: Relevance to Educational Practice
Examples of Narrative Research in Education
Features of a Narrative Research Report
Evaluating a Narrative Research Study
An Example of How Narrative Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 16 Ethnographic and Critical Ethnographic Research
The Use of Critical Ethnography to Study Problems of Practice in Education
The Characteristics of Ethnographic Research
Examples of Ethnographic Research
Critical Research as a Field of Inquiry and Practice
Foundations of Critical Research in Education
Features of a Critical Ethnographic Research Report
Evaluating Ethnographies and Critical Ethnographies
An Example of How Ethnography and Critical Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 17 Historical Research
The Nature of Historical Research
The Role of Historical Research in Education
Methods of Historical Research
Identifying Historical Sources
Validating Historical Evidence
Interpreting Historical Data
Features of a Historical Research Report
Evaluating Historical Research
An Example of How Historical Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
PART V: COMBINING QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE METHODOLOGIES TO STUDY PROBLEMS OF PRACTICE
Chapter 18 Mixed-Methods Research
The Need for Multiple Research Methods
Types of Mixed-Methods Research
Reading a Mixed-Methods Research Report
Evaluating the Report of a Mixed-Methods Study
An Example of How Mixed-Methods Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
PART VI: USING OTHER METHODOLOGIES TO STUDY PROBLEMS OF PRACTICE
Chapter 19 Action Research
The History of Action Research
Using Action Research to Address Problems of Practice
Examples of Action Research Studies
Design Features of Action Research
How Action Research Differs from Educators' Other Approaches to
Problem Solving
Purposes and Benefits of Action Research
Applying Action Science to Action Research
The Insider-Outsider Issue in Collaborative Action Research
Evaluating the Credibility and Trustworthiness of Action Research
An Example of How Action Research Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
Chapter 20 Evaluation Research
The Use of Evaluation Research in Educational Decision-Making
Examples of Evaluation Research
Programs as a Focus of Evaluation Research
Evaluation Research as a Political Activity
Models of Evaluation Research
How to Read an Evaluation Report
Evaluating an Evaluation Research Study
An Example of How Program Evaluations Can Help in Solving Problems of Practice
Self-Check Test
Chapter References
Resources for Further Study
SELF-CHECK TEST ANSWERS
APPENDICES
1. Guide for Outlining a Quantitative or Qualitative Research Proposal
2. Questions To Ask Yourself When Evaluating a Report of a Quantitative Study
3. Questions to Ask Yourself When Evaluating a Report of a Qualitative Study
4. Design-Specific Questions to Ask Yourself When Evaluating a Research Report