Research and Education / Edition 1

by Sam Shields, Will Curtis, Mark Murphy

Overview

Educational researchers take a number of decisions that define the credibility and scope of their enquiry – the approaches they adopt, the strategies they employ, the methods they use and the ways they present their findings. This core text provides an easy-to-read, comprehensive introduction to educational research that will develop your understanding of research strategies, theories and methods.

Specifically written for undergraduate education studies students, the book guides you through the process of planning a research project, the different research methods available and how to carry out your research and write it up successfully. Highlighting the theoretical and methodological debates and discussing important ethical and practical considerations, the book is structured to help you tackle all the different aspects of your project from writing your literature review, designing a questionnaire and analysing your data to the final writing up. The book will give you the confidence and enthusiasm to discuss and write about your research effectively.

Features include:

• extension tasks — to introduce new material and encourage you to think critically
• case studies — with information on important studies and examples of research that have utilised specific approaches
• practical advice and tips — to help you relate the topics discussed to your own on-going project work
• annotated further reading lists — providing you with an opportunity to access more detailed and specific resources.

Part of the Foundations of Education Studies series, this timely textbook is essential reading for students undertaking a research methods course or a piece of educational research.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415809597
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/15/2013
Series:	Foundations of Education Studies
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Will Curtis is Director of part time and 2+2 programmes in the Centre for Lifelong Learning at the University of Warwick, UK.

Mark Murphy is Reader in Education and Public Policy at the University of Glasgow, UK.

Sam Shields is Lecturer in Education at the University of Hull, UK.

Table of Contents

Introduction. Approaches to Educational Research Part 1: Planning an Education Research Project Choosing a Topic and Writing a Proposal. Reviewing the Literature. Sampling. Data Analysis. Writing Up Part 2: Research Strategies Surveys. Experiments. Case Studies. Ethnography. Action Research Part 3: Methods of Data Collection Questionnaires. Interviews. Focus Group Interviews. Observations. Documents. Using the Internet Part 4: Theorising Research Using Theories and Concepts in Research. Evaluating Methods. The Position of the Researcher. Ethical Issues in Educational Research. Educational Research with Children and Young People.