Educational Research: Contemporary Issues and Practical Approaches

by Jerry Wellington

Overview

What is educational research? What are its current approaches, methods and methodologies? How should existing literature be reviewed and evaluated critically? What are the key philosophical debates in and on educational research? How should research in education be conducted and how should it be presented? And what is the value of such research?

With this extensively revised edition of a much-admired and engaging guide, Jerry Wellington provides clear and constructive answers to these questions, complete with detailed advice on methods such as interviewing, surveys, documentary research and the use of focus groups. Thoroughly overhauled and updated, this edition includes new case studies, helpful 'theory summary' boxes, and a range of activities or 'points to ponder' to foster engagement with current issues. Retaining the clarity and concision of the previous edition, and its approachable and practical style, Jerry Wellington provides an invaluable text for all those engaged in educational research.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781472534705
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	03/26/2015
Edition description:	2nd Revised ed.
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.20(h) x 1.60(d)

About the Author

Jerry Wellington is Professor in Education at the University of Sheffield, UK.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
Notes on Contributors of Case Studies
Introduction: Using This Book
Part I: Issues and Approaches
1. An Overview to Educational Research
2. Varying Approaches to Researching Education
3. Reviewing the Research Literature
4. Being Critical and Reflexive: Principles and Practice
5. The Researcher's Role and Responsibility
Part II: Methods and Their Limits
6. Interviewing
7. Case Study
8. Survey Research
9. Documentary Research and Analysis
10. Other Methods for the Researcher
Part III: Analysing, Presenting and Disseminating
11. Dealing with Qualitative Data
12. Writing and Publishing
13. What's the Use of Educational Research?
Appendices
Glossary of Terms
References and Further Reading
Index

Editorial Reviews

For the novice or aspiring researcher in education, this volume ... provides a well-wrought introduction to very many important issues in the field. It is written in an accessible, often first-person style ... [and] is well organized ... The inclusion of many clear summary tables, figures, and boxes throughout the book is a real bonus ... [A]s far as it goes it is first class.” —Educational Research and Evaluation

“I've always recommended Educational Research as a key text for my students at all levels because of its clarity and scope. This excellent new edition brings it right up to date for a new generation of researchers with its incisive coverage of research technology and current methodological debates.” —Susan Wallace, Emeritus Professor of Education, Nottingham Trent University, UK

“This highly readable book provides an authoritative account of the methods and methodology used within educational research that is thoughtfully underpinned by an introduction to key theoretical perspectives. It usefully recommends examples of educational research for further study and even has useful comments on common writing mistakes. This is a book that students in higher education will find invaluable.” —Gordon Joyes, Associate Professor in eLearning, University of Nottingham, UK

“A sophisticated and accessible introduction to educational research. Textbooks are rarely compelling, but this one has a fascination to it that stems from the way it draws out a whole range of issues and contexts.” —Peter Kahn, Educational Developer, University of Liverpool, UK

“This is a very good introduction to educational research methods. It takes the researcher through the nuts and bolts of designing a research project, as well as enabling them to see their project in a wider methodological framework. The text is accessible throughout and is supported by well-chosen examples of research.” —Michael Hammond, Associate Professor and Director of Education Research Students at the University of Warwick, UK

“This is a very useful book outlining educational research methods and techniques. It is underpinned by accessible content for readers of all abilities and it is current and up to date - with welcome recognition about undertaking educational research in an increasingly digitally accessible world.” —David Wooff, Edge Hill University, UK

From the Publisher

This is a very good introduction to educational research methods. It takes the researcher through the nuts and bolts of designing a research project, as well as enabling them to see their project in a wider methodological framework. The text is accessible throughout and is supported by well-chosen examples of research.

Michael Hammond

A sophisticated and accessible introduction to educational research. Textbooks are rarely compelling, but this one has a fascination to it that stems from the way it draws out a whole range of issues and contexts.

Peter Kahn

This highly readable book provides an authoritative account of the methods and methodology used within educational research that is thoughtfully underpinned by an introduction to key theoretical perspectives. It usefully recommends examples of educational research for further study and even has useful comments on common writing mistakes. This is a book that students in higher education will find invaluable.

Gordon Joyes

I've always recommended Educational Research as a key text for my students at all levels because of its clarity and scope. This excellent new edition brings it right up to date for a new generation of researchers with its incisive coverage of research technology and current methodological debates.

Susan Wallace