Description

A classic in its field, Research Methods in Education explains the research process with emphasis on the formulation of a research question, referencing current literature in the field, using appropriate research designs, and writing and evaluating research reports. Both quantitative and qualitative research designs are described. Measurement, sampling, and statistics are presented as essential research tools.

 

Retaining the clear, concise writing style and organization that has made this text so popular, Research Methods in Education helps students evaluate research literature as well as master research methodology. It emphasizes the rationale for commonly used research procedures and their applications. The authors outline the nature of educational research and clearly define the steps in the research process.

 

The text is broad in scope–covering both quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research methodologies as well as describing how to write research proposals and reports of completed research. Research Methods in Education gives students a solid understanding of all the elements of research.

Features

• The text has been reorganized into three sections:
• The first section, Chapters 1-5, focuses on the research process. The nature of educational research, research paradigms, research problem statements, the review of the literature, writing and evaluating research proposals, and writing and evaluating research reports are explained and specific examples are presented.
• The second section, Chapters 6-13, presents detailed descriptions of research designs. Chapters 6-9 on experimental research, quasi-experimental research, and nonexperimental quantitative research help students understand the use and methodology of quantitative research. Three chapters (10, 11, and 12) covering research design for qualitative research, historical, and ethnographic research help students understand when qualitative research should be used. Mixed methods, modeling, and the Delphi method are explained in Chapter 13.
• The third section, Chapters 14-17, presents research tools that are essential components of educational research studies. Sampling designs, measurement, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics are explained in a way that requires no previous instruction in these topics.
• More than 100 figures, tables, and examples taken from educational research illustrate the structure of research designs and their underlying concepts.  Coverage of Mixed Methods and Delphi Studies are included to keep this text completely current with practice (Chapter 13).

• A section on “Evaluating Research Reports” enables students to make better decisions about the quality of the research they read.
• Provides more extensive coverage of the process of identifying and writing research questions–the driving force behind the entire research process.  Also a thorough, detailed section on conducting survey research provides students with a clear blueprint for doing survey research.

• Includes a more extensive exploration of technology and the use of electronic sources in research (e.g. web referencing, data analysis, etc.)  Also includes a discussion of the computer's use in research and emphasizes its importance in data analysis and literature review.

• TECHNOLOGY ADVANTAGE–A Disk (Windows and Mac), packaged FREE with the textbook, contains three data sets to allow students to work with actual data. 

• Research Navigator access is provided with the text and integration is provided through the use of key term icons and chapter ending activities. This database provides students with hands-on research opportunities.

New to this Edition

• The reorganization of the chapters into three sections is in response to requests from reviewers and current users of the text.
• New examples have been added that capture the students’ interest, e.g., the relationship between poor reading skills and suicidal tendencies.
• New exercises have been added at the end of every chapter.
• The previous data sets that are used in the statistics chapters have been replaced with current data sets.

Table of Contents

Preface

 

            Acknowledgements

 

 

1.                  Educational Research:  Its Nature and Characteristics

 

Introduction

 

The Nature of Educational Research

 

            The Systematic Process of Research

            The Validity of Educational Research

                        Internal Validity

                        External Validity

            The Reliability of Educational Research

            Research Has a Variety of Forms

Classification of Educational Research

            Basic and Applied Research

            Qualitative and Quantitative Research

            General Methods of Research

                        Experimental Research

                        Quasi-Experimental Research

                        Nonexperimental Quantitative Research

                        Historical Research

                        Ethnographic Research

The Role of Theory

The Activities of the Research Process

            Identification of the Research Problem

            Data Collection

            Analysis

            Summarizing Results and Drawing Conclusions

Summary

            The Function of Educational Research

Key Concepts

Exercises

Notes

References

 

Back Cover

Wiersma / Jurs, Research Methods in Education: An Introduction, 9e 0205581927

 

A classic in its field, Research Methods in Education explains the research process with emphasis on the formulation of a research question, referencing current literature in the field, using appropriate research designs, and writing and evaluating research reports. Both quantitative and qualitative research designs are described. Measurement, sampling, and statistics are presented as essential research tools.

 

New to this edition:

• The reorganization of the chapters into three sections is in response to requests from reviewers and current users of the text.
• New examples have been added that capture the students’ interest, for example, the relationship between poor reading skills and suicidal tendencies.
• New exercises have been added at the end of every chapter.
• The previous data sets used in the statistics chapters have been updated with current data sets.

Here’s what your colleagues are saying:

 

“I have used Wiersma’s texts for many years and…I plan to continue to use it.”

-          Doris L. Prater, University of Houston

 

“Very thorough, easy to read and follow.”

-          Darla Twale, University of Dayton

 

“Research Methods in Education is a useful guidebook for students to understand the basic principles and methodology involved in all types of research, be it experimental, quasi-experimental, survey, correlational, action, enthroposophic, or single subject design. Basically, the text covers all aspects of qualitative and quantitative research methods.”

-          Gholam Kibria, Delaware State University