Educational Research: Competencies For Analysis And Applications

by Gay, Lorrie R.; Mills, Geoffrey E.; Airasian, Peter W.

• ISBN13: 9780131185340
• ISBN10: 0131185349
• Edition: 8th
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-01-01
• Publisher: Pearson College Div

Summary

This new edition of Educational Research: Competencies for Analysis and Applications maintains the strong yet accessible coverage you expect. The reorganized text reflects a more balanced coverage of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Unique features of this revised edition include: An Approachable Text Your Students Won't Mind Reading--and Will Want to Keep bull; bull; bull;The accessible writing style, clear and concise explanations, and humorous tone demystify the research process. bull;Eleven cumulative "Tasks" throughout the text provide practice and skill development in doing research, step by step. Expanded Coverage of Qualitative Research and Mixed Methods bull; bull; bull;Chapter 16, "Narrative Research," and Chapter 17, "Ethnographic Research," are new to this edition. bull;Chapter 19, "Mixed Methods," is new to this edition. Expanded Coverage of Technology bull; bull; bull;Increased coverage of how to use technology in the research process. bull;The Companion Website (http://www.prenhall.com/gay) allows students to check their understanding of concepts through self-quizzes, access tools and tips to guide them through the research process, and expand their skill base through practice evaluating both quantitative and qualitative research by analyzing data and critiquing journal articles. 39 Articles Provided in the Package (Text, Student Study Guide, and Website) bull; bull; bull;Articles are accompanied by a variety of pedagogical aids to help students learn to read research. bull;Chapter 22, "Evaluating Research," provides a framework for critiquing research.

Table of Contents

Part I Introduction
Introduction to Educational Research	2	(30)
Tasks 1a, 1b	3	(1)
Task 1c	3	(1)
Welcome!	3	(1)
The Scientific Method	4	(1)
Application of the Scientific Method in Education	5	(1)
Other Ways of Knowing	6	(1)
Classification of Research by Purpose	6	(2)
Basic and Applied Research	6	(1)
Evaluation Research	7	(1)
Research and Development (R&D)	7	(1)
Action Research	8	(1)
Classification of Research by Method	8	(8)
Quantitative Research	9	(1)
Qualitative Research	9	(1)
Quantitative Approaches	10	(4)
Qualitative Approaches	14	(2)
Guidelines for Classification	16	(1)
Limitations of the Scientific Method	17	(1)
Summary	18	(2)
Performance Criteria Task 1	20	(12)
Tasks 1a, 1b	20	(1)
Task 1c	20	(1)
Task 1a Quantitative Example	21	(4)
Task 1b Qualitative Example	25	(7)
Selecting and Defining A Research Topic	32	(38)
Task 2	33	(1)
Identifying a Topic or Question to Research	34	(5)
Sources of Research Topics	34	(2)
Narrowing the Topic	36	(1)
Characteristics of Good Topics	37	(1)
Stating the Research Topic	38	(1)
Review of Related Literature	39	(17)
Definition, Purpose, and Scope	39	(2)
Qualitative Research and the Review of Related Literature	41	(1)
Identifying Keywords	41	(1)
Identifying Your Sources	42	(8)
Evaluating Your Sources	50	(1)
Abstracting	51	(2)
Analyzing, Organizing, and Reporting the Literature	53	(3)
Formulating and Stating a Hypothesis	56	(6)
Quantitative Definition and Purpose of Hypotheses	56	(1)
Criteria for Hypotheses	57	(1)
Types of Hypotheses	58	(1)
Stating the Hypothesis	59	(1)
Testing the Hypothesis	60	(1)
Qualitative Definition and Purpose of Hypotheses	61	(1)
Summary	62	(4)
Task 2 Performance Criteria	66	(4)
Task 2 Example	67	(3)
Preparing and Evaluating a Research Plan	70	(28)
Task 3a	71	(1)
Task 3b	71	(1)
Definition and Purpose of a Research Plan	71	(2)
General Considerations in a Research Plan	73	(5)
The Ethics of Research	73	(4)
Gaining Entry to the Research Site	77	(1)
Components of the Quantitative Research Plan	78	(6)
Introduction Section	79	(2)
Method Section	81	(2)
Data Analysis	83	(1)
Time Schedule	84	(1)
Budget	84	(1)
Components of the Qualitative Research Plan	84	(5)
Prior Fieldwork	85	(1)
Title	85	(1)
Introduction Section	85	(1)
Research Procedures Section	86	(3)
Appendixes	89	(1)
Revising and Improving the Research Plan	89	(2)
Summary	91	(3)
Task 3 Performance Criteria	94	(4)
Task 3a Example	95	(3)
Selecting a Sample	98	(22)
Task 4	99	(1)
Quantitative Sampling	99	(14)
Defining a Population	100	(1)
Selecting a Random Sample	101	(8)
Determining Sample Size	109	(2)
Avoiding Sampling Error and Bias	111	(1)
Selecting a Nonrandom Sample	112	(1)
Qualitative Sampling	113	(3)
Selecting Research Participants: Purposive Sampling Approaches	114	(1)
Determining Sample Size	114	(2)
Summary	116	(2)
Task 4 Performance Criteria	118	(2)
Task 4 Example	119	(1)
Selecting Measuring Instruments	120	(38)
Task 5	121	(1)
Constructs	122	(1)
Variables	122	(3)
Measurement Scales and Variables	123	(2)
Quantitative and Qualitative Variables	125	(1)
Dependent and Independent Variables	125	(1)
Characteristics of Measuring Instruments	125	(3)
Instrument Terminology	126	(1)
Quantitative and Qualitative Data Collection Methods	127	(1)
Interpreting Instrument Data	127	(1)
Types of Measuring Instruments	128	(6)
Cognitive Tests	128	(1)
Affective Tests	129	(4)
Projective Tests	133	(1)
Criteria for Good Measurement Instruments	134	(11)
Validity of Measuring Instruments	134	(5)
Reliability of Measuring Instruments	139	(6)
Selecting a Test	145	(6)
Sources of Test Information	145	(3)
Selecting From Alternatives	148	(1)
Constructing Tests	149	(1)
Test Administration	150	(1)
Summary	151	(4)
Task 5 Performance Criteria	155	(3)
Task 5 Example	156	(2)
Part II QUANTITATIVE METHODS
Descriptive Research	158	(32)
Task 6a	159	(1)
Descriptive Research: Definition and Purpose	159	(1)
The Descriptive Research Process	160	(1)
Classifying Descriptive Research	161	(2)
Self-Report Research	161	(2)
Conducting Self-Report Research	163	(12)
Conducting a Questionnaire Study	163	(10)
Conducting an Interview Study	173	(2)
Summary	175	(15)
Correlational Research	190	(26)
Task 6b	191	(1)
Correlational Research: Definition and Purpose	191	(1)
The Correlational Research Process	192	(4)
Problem Selection	192	(1)
Participant and Instrument Selection	192	(1)
Design and Procedure	193	(1)
Data Analysis and Interpretation	193	(3)
Relationship Studies	196	(4)
Data Collection	197	(1)
Data Analysis and Interpretation	197	(3)
Prediction Studies	200	(3)
Data Collection	201	(1)
Data Analysis and Interpretation	201	(2)
Other Correlation-Based Analyses	203	(1)
Problems to Consider in Interpreting Correlation Coefficients	204	(1)
Summary	204	(12)
Causal--Comparative Research	216	(16)
Task 6c	217	(1)
Causal-Comparative Research: Definition and Purpose	217	(3)
Conducting a Causal-Comparative Study	220	(4)
Design and Procedure	220	(1)
Control Procedures	221	(2)
Data Analysis and Interpretation	223	(1)
Summary	224	(8)
Experimental Research	232	(42)
Task 6d	233	(1)
Experimental Research: Definition and Purpose	233	(4)
The Experimental Process	234	(1)
Manipulation and Control	235	(2)
Threats to Experimental Validity	237	(10)
Threats to Internal Validity	238	(3)
Threats to External Validity	241	(6)
Group Experimental Designs	247	(16)
Control of Extraneous Variables	247	(3)
Types of Group Designs	250	(13)
Summary	263	(11)
Single-Subject Experimental Research	274	(26)
Task 6e	275	(1)
Single-Subject Experimental Designs	275	(10)
Single-Subject Versus Group Designs	275	(1)
External Validity	276	(1)
Internal Validity	276	(2)
Types of Single-Subject Designs	278	(6)
Data Analysis and Interpretation	284	(1)
Replication	284	(1)
Summary	285	(2)
Task 6 Performance Criteria	287	(13)
Task 6 Example	288	(12)
Descriptive Statistics	300	(36)
Task 7	301	(1)
The Word Is ``Statistics,'' Not ``Sadistics''	301	(1)
Preparing Data for Analysis	302	(2)
Scoring Procedures	302	(1)
Tabulation and Coding Procedures	302	(2)
Using a Computer	304	(1)
Types of Descriptive Statistics	304	(14)
Graphing Data	304	(2)
Measures of Central Tendency	306	(2)
Measures of Variability	308	(2)
The Normal Curve	310	(3)
Measures of Relative Position	313	(4)
Measures of Relationship	317	(1)
Calculation for Interval Data	318	(13)
Symbols	318	(2)
The Mean	320	(1)
The Standard Deviation	320	(2)
Standard Scores	322	(1)
Obtaining Descriptive Statistics With SPSS 12.0	323	(3)
The Pearson r	326	(5)
Postscript	331	(1)
Summary	331	(5)
Inferential Statistics	336	(48)
Concepts Underlying Inferential Statistics	337	(10)
Standard Error	338	(2)
The Null Hypothesis	340	(1)
Tests of Significance	341	(1)
Decision Making: Levels of Significance and Type I and Type II Errors	342	(3)
Two-Tailed and One-Tailed Tests	345	(1)
Degrees of Freedom	346	(1)
Tests of Significance: Types	347	(31)
The t Test	348	(11)
Simple Analysis of Variance	359	(4)
Multiple Comparisons	363	(5)
Factorial Analysis of Variance	368	(1)
Analysis of Covariance	369	(1)
Multiple Regression	369	(1)
Chi Square	370	(7)
Types of Parametric and Nonparametric Statistical Tests	377	(1)
Summary	378	(6)
Postanalysis Considerations	384	(14)
Verifying and Storing Data	385	(1)
Verification and Data Checking	385	(1)
Storage	386	(1)
Interpreting Quantitative Research Results	386	(4)
Hypothesized Results	386	(1)
Unhypothesized Results	387	(1)
Statistical and Methodological Issues	387	(2)
Significance Versus Practical Significance	389	(1)
Replication of Results	390	(1)
Summary	390	(2)
Task 7 Performance Criteria	392	(6)
Task 7 Example	393	(5)
Part III QUALITATIVE METHODS
Overview of Qualitative Research	398	(14)
Task 8	399	(1)
Qualitative Research: Definition and Purpose	399	(1)
The Qualitative Research Process	400	(1)
Qualitative Research Approaches	401	(1)
Characteristics of Qualitative Research	402	(1)
Validity and Reliability in Qualitative Research	403	(4)
Validity in Qualitative Research	403	(4)
Reliability in Qualitative Research	407	(1)
Doing the Right Thing: The Role of Ethics in Qualitative Research	407	(3)
Ethical Guideposts	408	(2)
Summary	410	(2)
Qualitative Data Collection	412	(16)
Qualitative Data Collection: Definition and Purpose	413	(1)
Types of Data Collection Sources	413	(1)
Data Collection Techniques	413	(10)
Observing	413	(5)
Interviewing	418	(3)
Examining Records	421	(2)
Threats to the Quality of Observations and Interviews	423	(1)
Observer Bias	423	(1)
Observer Effect	424	(1)
Getting Started	424	(1)
Summary	425	(3)
Narrative Research	428	(12)
Narrative Research: Definition and Purpose	429	(1)
The Narrative Research Process	430	(2)
Types of Narrative Research	432	(1)
Key Characteristics of Narrative Research	432	(1)
Narrative Research Techniques	433	(4)
Restorying	434	(1)
Narrative Analysis and the Analysis of Narrative	435	(1)
Oral History	435	(1)
Photographs, Memory Boxes, and Other Artifacts	436	(1)
Storytelling	436	(1)
Letter Writing	436	(1)
Autobiographical and Biographical Writing	436	(1)
Other Narrative Data Sources	437	(1)
Writing the Narrative	437	(1)
Summary	437	(3)
Ethnographic Research	440	(26)
Ethnographic Research: Definition and Purpose	441	(1)
The Ethnographic Research Process	442	(2)
Types of Ethnographic Research	444	(1)
Key Characteristics of Ethnographic Research	445	(1)
Ethnographic Research Techniques	446	(8)
Triangulation	446	(1)
Participant Observation	446	(3)
Field Notes	449	(2)
Observing and Recording Everything You Possibly Can	451	(1)
Observing and Looking for Nothing in Particular	452	(1)
Looking for ``Bumps'' or Paradoxes	453	(1)
Summary	454	(12)
Qualitative Research: Data Analysis and Interpretation	466	(22)
Data Analysis and Interpretation: Definition and Purpose	467	(1)
Data Analysis During Data Collection	468	(1)
Data Analysis After Data Collection	468	(1)
Steps in Analyzing Qualitative Research Data	469	(2)
Reading/Memoing	470	(1)
Describing	470	(1)
Classifying	470	(1)
Data Analysis Strategies	471	(3)
Qualitative Data Analysis: An Example	474	(1)
Using Computer Software to Assist with Data Analysis	475	(3)
Data Interpretation	478	(2)
Ensuring Credibility in Your Study	480	(1)
Summary	480	(3)
Task 8 Performance Criteria	483	(5)
Task 8 Example	484	(4)
Part IV MIXED METHODS
Mixed Methods Research: Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Methods	488	(10)
Introduction to Mixed Methods	489	(1)
Mixed Methods Research: Definition and Purpose	490	(1)
Types of Mixed Methods Research Designs	490	(2)
Characteristics of Mixed Methods Designs	492	(2)
Evaluating a Mixed Methods Study	494	(2)
Summary	496	(2)
Part V ACTION RESEARCH
Action Research	498	(16)
Task 9	499	(1)
Action Research: Definition and Purpose	499	(1)
The Action Research Process	500	(1)
Types of Action Research	500	(2)
Critical Action Research	500	(1)
Practical Action Research	501	(1)
Levels of Action Research	502	(1)
Key Characteristics of Action Research	503	(2)
Action Research Is Persuasive and Authoritative	503	(1)
Action Research Is Relevant	504	(1)
Action Research Is Accessible	504	(1)
Action Research Challenges the Intractability of Reform of the Educational System	505	(1)
Action Research Is Not a Fad	505	(1)
Action Research Techniques	505	(3)
Identifying an Area of Focus	505	(2)
Collecting, Analyzing, and Interpreting Data	507	(1)
Action Planning	508	(1)
Summary	508	(2)
Task 9 Performance Criteria and Examples	510	(4)
Part VI REPORTING RESEARCH
Preparing a Research Report	514	(26)
Task 10	515	(1)
General Guidelines	515	(2)
General Started: Overcoming Writing Obstacles	516	(1)
General Rules for Writing	517	(1)
Format and Style	518	(1)
Sections of Theses and Dissertations	519	(5)
Preliminary Pages	520	(1)
The Main Body	521	(1)
Method	521	(3)
Summary	524	(3)
Task 10 Performance Criteria	527	(13)
Task 10 Example	528	(12)
Part VII CRITIQUING RESEARCH
Evaluating a Research Report	540	(21)
Task 11	541	(1)
General Evaluation Criteria	541	(3)
Introduction	542	(1)
Method	543	(1)
Results	544	(1)
Discussion (Conclusions and Recommendations)	544	(1)
Abstract or Summary	544	(1)
Type-Specific Evaluation Criteria	544	(5)
Descriptive Research	545	(1)
Correlational Research	545	(1)
Causal-Comparative Research	545	(1)
Experimental Research	546	(1)
Single-Subject Research	546	(1)
Qualitative Research (in General)	546	(1)
Narrative Research	547	(1)
Ethnographic Research	547	(1)
Mixed Methods	547	(1)
Action Research	547	(1)
Evaluating Validity and Reliability in Qualitative Studies	548	(1)
Summary	549	(1)
Task 11 Performance Criteria	550	(11)
Task 11 Example	551	(5)
Self-Test for Task 11	556	(5)
Appendix A Reference Tables	561	(16)
Appendix B Math Review	577	(12)
Appendix C Suggested Responses	589	(6)
Glossary	595	(10)
Author Index	605	(2)
Subject Index	607