Research Methods and Methodologies in Education

'This work will be of immense value to those who are undertaking a significant post-graduate research study in Education at the M. Phil or PhD level. As well it will be helpful to commissioners of research who may have expertise in one method or another, but not the across-the-board insight when evaluating proposals that employ varied and innovative methods. Its array of impressive contributors writes in an accessible and clear manner and brings the attention of the reader to both technical and conceptual terms.

Not only does the handbook provide the reader with a range of research methods with their associated costs and benefits, but also draws attention to the need for careful and systematic planning at all stages of the inquiry. It cautions against employing any method without first evaluating its appropriateness to the questions being investigated, that is, the commensurability of the research to the purpose of the inquiry.

As a seasoned researcher I found myself refreshed and curious regarding the ongoing debates that continue to circulate around matters of validity and generalisability in increasingly complex contexts. It certainly will be an addition to my own reference library'
-Susan Groundwater-Smith
Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney