Educational Research: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Approaches

The Second Edition of Educational Research is an informal and highly readable text aimed at providing students with a clear and in-depth understanding of the different kinds of research―INCLUDING technology-based―that are used in education today. This text introduces students to the fundamental logic of empirical research and explores the sources of research ideas. Detailed descriptions guide students through the design and implementation of actual research studies with a balanced examination of both quantitative and qualitative research serving as one of the book's strongest features. While quantitative research strategies are covered extensively, the text also discusses various qualitative approaches such as ethnography, historical methods, phenomenology, grounded theory, and case studies. Throughout, the authors present detailed, step-by-step coverage of the key elements of research, including sampling techniques, ethical considerations, data collection methods, measurement, judging validity, experimental and non-experimental methods, descriptive and inferential statistics, qualitative data analysis, and report preparation.

“This book is oriented to promoting the understanding of research methods rather than merely presenting students with a list of terms, formulas and designs to memorize.”
Kathy Green
University of Denver

“The organization and clarity of this book will capture students¿ interest and offer a new perspective on how to study research methods.”
Dr. Vernelle Tyler
University of South Carolina Aiken

“This book is well written, thoroughly researched and the theory is well supplemented with examples.”
Shaireen Rasheed
Long Island University

“I love the fact that both qualitative and quantitative research concepts are presented adequately. This book provides a solid foundation for both inexperienced quantitative and qualitative researchers.”
Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie
Howard University

The Second Edition of Educational Research is an informal and highly readable text that provides students with a clear and in-depth understanding of the different kinds of research that are used in education today. This text introduces students to the fundamental logic of empirical research and explores the sources of research ideas. Detailed descriptions guide students through the design and implementation of actual research studies with examination of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research, serving as one of the book's strongest features. This new edition features the use of technology in conducting educational research, incorporating links to a database of journal articles (Research Navigator), extensive discussion of technologically-based research exercises, and a complete companion website.

New to this Edition:

• This is the first Educational Research text to take full advantage of further electronic research opportunities offered by Allyn and Bacon as the Research Navigator. Access to this site is described on the inside front cover and the site includes an extensive database of Journals, NY Times articles, writing tips and relevant web links. New end-of-chapter materials, including discussion questions, additional exercises, links to relevant Web sites, suggested readings, and exercise sheets, provide professors with assignments and materials to discuss during class and give students more opportunity to learn the material and apply it.
• A new introductory chapter provides a broader understanding of the similarities and differences of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research (Ch. 2).
• A full chapter on mixed methods research has been added because of its growing popularity and practical importance (Ch. 14).
• Opening vignettes in each chapter focus students' attention and interest by providing students with a connection between current events and issues and the world of educational research.
• Revised and improved Chapter 3 developing research questions now includes additional material on the use of the Internet in conducting literature searches and constructing research topics.
• Incorporates the latest changes to the APA publication manual to provide students with the most up-to-date information about how to prepare a research report for publication (Ch. 18).

In addition to Research Navigator, this text offers aCompanion Website at www.ablongman.com/johnson where you will find an abundance of materials to empower students and professors. This includes: full lectures for each chapter, concept maps to help students visualize chapter material, multiple choice questions with a quiz generator, Web resources, and more.