Research and Evaluation Methods in Special Education

by Donna M. Mertens

• ISBN13: 9780761946533
• ISBN10: 0761946535
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-09-10
• Publisher: Corwin Pr

Summary

This excellent resource provides an approach to research and evaluation that helps educators better understand and address the needs of students with various disabilities.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

1. Introduction

Questions and Activities for Application and Discussion

2. Program Evaluation

Questions and Activities for Application and Discussion

3. Literature Review

Purposes of the Literature Review

Resources to Support the Literature Review

Reporting the Literature Review Method

Aggregating Information for a Literature Review

The Integrated Literature Review

Questions to Critically Analyze the Literature Review

Questions and Activities for Application and Discussion

4. Quantitative Research Methods: Questions of Impact

Philosophical Assumptions Associated With Quantitative Research

Questions and Activities for Application and Discussion

5. Other Quantitative Approaches: Casual Comparative, Correlational, Single Case, and Survey Research

Causal Comparative and Correlational Research

Questions for Critically Analyzing Causal Comparative and Correlational Research

Questions for Critically Anaylzing Single-Case Designs

Survey Research

Questions for Critically Analyzing Survey Research

Questions and Activities for Application and Discussion

6. Qualitative Methods

Definition and Characteristics of Qualitative Methods

Importance of Qualitative Methods in Special Education Research

Philosophical Assumptions and Methodological Implications in Special Education Research

Qualitative Methods and Data Collection Strategies

Critically Analyzing Qualitative Research

Questions for Critically Analyzing Qualitative Research

Questions and Activities for Application and Discussion

7. Mixed Methods and Mixed Model Designs

Definitions and Characteristics

Questions and Activities for Application and Discussion

8. Identification and Selection of Research Participants

Population and Sample Definition

Designing and Selecting Samples

Generalizability, External Validity, and Transferability

Ethics and Confidentiality

Questions for Critically Analyzing Sample Design and Implementation

Questions and Activities for Application and Discussion

9. Information Collection

The Purpose of Information Collection

Technical Adequacy of Data Collection Instruments

Selecting and Using a Measurement Device

Questions for Critically Analyzing Information Collection Strategies and Instruments

Questions and Activities for Application and Discussion

10. Data Analysis, Interpretation, and Use

Quantitative Data Anaylsis

Challenges in Analysis and Interpretation

Responses to Analysis and Interpretation Challenges

Qualitative Data Analysis and Interpretation

Reporting Research

Beyond Reporting: Using Research Results

Questions for Critically Analyzing Data Analysis and Interpretation

Questions and Activities for Discussion and Application

Appendices

1. Federal Definitions for Individuals with Disabilities

2. Data Sources from Extant Data Bases

3. Definitions of Statistical Terms

4. Funding Resources

5. Proposal Outline

References

Index