Written for students, educators, and researchers, Methods in Educational Research offers a refreshing introduction to the principles of educational research. Designed for the real world of educational research, the book's approach focuses on the types of problems likely to be encountered in professional experiences. Reflecting the importance of The No Child Left Behind Act , "scientifically based" educational research, school accountability, and the professional demands of the twenty-first century, Methods in Educational Research empowers educational researchers to take an active role in conducting research in their classrooms, districts, and the greater educational community-activities that are now not only expected but required of all teachers.

Marguerite G. Lodico, EdD, is a professor at the College of Saint Rose where she teaches child development and educational research. Dean T. Spaulding, PhD, is an associate professor at the College of Saint Rose where he teaches educational research and program evaluation. Katherine H. Voegtle, PhD, is a professor at the College of Saint Rose where she teaches courses in human development, educational research, and educational psychology.

Boxes, Exhibits, Figures, and Tables	p. ix
Preface	p. xix
Acknowledgments	p. xxiii
The Authors	p. xxv
Introduction to Educational Research	p. 1
Chapter Objectives	p. 1
Educational Accountability and Educational Research	p. 2
Conducting Educational Research	p. 9
Philosophical Frameworks for Educational Research	p. 13
Research Ethics	p. 16
Types of Educational Research Designs and Related Major Concepts	p. 23
Chapter Objectives	p. 23
Types of Approaches Used in Educational Research	p. 24
Descriptive Statistics	p. 45
Chapter Objectives	p. 45
Characteristics of Data	p. 46
Summarizing Data Using Descriptive Statistics	p. 48
Educational Measurement: Archival Data and Standardized Instruments	p. 79
Chapter Objectives	p. 79
Measurement in Education	p. 80
Evaluating the Quality of Standardized Instruments: Reliability and Validity	p. 93
Issues in Finding and Using Standardized Instruments	p. 101
Qualitative Measures and Procedures	p. 111
Chapter Objectives	p. 111
Characteristics of Qualitative Measurement	p. 112
Sampling in Qualitative Research	p. 134
Qualitative Research	p. 141
Chapter Objectives	p. 141
Research Vignette	p. 142
Understanding Qualitative Research	p. 142
Steps in Designing Qualitative Research	p. 160
Evaluating Narrative Inquiry and Phenomenological Research	p. 169
Organization and Analysis of Qualitative Data	p. 179
Chapter Objectives	p. 179
Analysis of Qualitative Data	p. 180
Steps in Analyzing Qualitative Data	p. 180
Descriptive Survey Research: Quantitative Research	p. 197
Chapter Objectives	p. 197
Research Vignette	p. 198
Characteristics of Descriptive Survey Research	p. 198
Steps in Conducting Descriptive Survey Research	p. 201
Evaluating Descriptive Survey Research	p. 222
Experimental Research	p. 227
Chapter Objectives	p. 227
Research Vignette	p. 228
Understanding Experimental Research	p. 228
Steps in Planning and Conducting Experimental Research	p. 230
Threats to Experimental Validity	p. 241
Single-Subject Research Designs	p. 253
Nonexperimental Approaches: Causal-Comparative and Correlational Research	p. 265
Chapter Objectives	p. 265
Research Vignette	p. 266
Causal-Comparative Research	p. 266
Correlational Research	p. 271
Multiple Regression Studies	p. 288
Inferential Statistics	p. 293
Chapter Objectives	p. 293
Beyond Descriptive Statistics: Inferential Statistics	p. 294
Steps in Analyzing Data Using Inferential Tests	p. 302
Designs with More than One Independent or Dependent Variable	p. 306
Action Research	p. 311
Chapter Objectives	p. 311
Research Vignette	p. 312
Understanding Action Research	p. 313
Steps in Conducting Action Research	p. 321
Data Sources for Action Research	p. 330
Evaluation of Action Research	p. 346
Program Evaluation in Education	p. 361
Chapter Objectives	p. 361
Research Vignette	p. 362
What Is Program Evaluation?	p. 363
Types, Approaches, and Models of Program Evaluation	p. 371
Steps in Designing Program Evaluation	p. 375
Program Evaluation Data and Critiquing Evaluation Reports	p. 376
Training and Careers in Program Evaluation	p. 378
Identifying and Researching a Topic	p. 383
Chapter Objectives	p. 383
Getting Started	p. 384
Identify a Research Topic	p. 384
Refine Your Topic as You Search	p. 387
Search the Literature	p. 391
Identify and Summarize Key Information from Articles	p. 404
When Do I Have Enough?	p. 406
The Research Proposal	p. 409
Chapter Objectives	p. 409
Preparing a Research Proposal	p. 410
References	p. 427
	p. 435
	p. 469
Index	p. 499
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

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