Introduction to Educational Research

by Craig A. Mertler

Overview

With balanced coverage of qualitative and quantitative methods and an emphasis on ethics, Introduction to Educational Research guides readers through the steps of the research process to help them plan and execute research projects in educational settings. Comprehensive and student-friendly, the Fourth Edition maintains a conversational and approachable tone to help students understand and apply research concepts.

Also available in Sage Vantage, an intuitive learning platform that integrates quality Sage textbook content with assignable multimedia activities and auto-graded assessments to drive student engagement and ensure accountability. Learn more about 978-1-0719-6841-3, Introduction to Educational Research - Vantage Digital Option, Fourth Edition.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781071903155
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	12/20/2024
Edition description:	Fourth Edition
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Craig A. Mertler is currently an Associate Professor of Action Research and Quantitative Methods at Barry University in Miami, Florida. He began his career as a high school biology teacher. He has been an educator for 39 years—29 of those in higher education at Bowling Green State University, the University of West Georgia, Lynn University, Arizona State University, and Barry University, and 12 years as an administrator (department chair, doctoral program director, and education dean). Over his career, he has taught courses focused on the application of action research to promote educator empowerment, school improvement, and job-embedded professional development, as well as classroom assessment, research methods, and statistical analyses.

He has served as the research methodology expert and/or chair on more than 140 doctoral dissertations and master’s theses. He is the author of 30 books, 9 invited book chapters, and 25 refereed journal articles. He has also presented more than 40 research papers at professional meetings around the country, as well as internationally.

He conducts workshops for in-service educational professionals (at all levels) on classroom-based action research and on the topics of classroom assessment and assessment literacy, as well as data-driven educational decision making. His primary research and consulting interests include classroom-based action research, data-driven educational decision making, professional learning communities, and classroom teachers’ assessment literacy. In his leisure time, he enjoys traveling with his family to the beach and sometimes writing a little fiction. Dr. Mertler can be reached at [e-mail] for consulting, professional development, and speaking engagements. Additionally, you can visit his website at www.craigmertler.com.

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Part I: Initial Research Considerations
Chapter 1: What is Educational Research?
Finding Answers to Questions
Educational Research—What It Is and What It Is not
The Scientific Method
Educational Research as a Process
Knowing Your Specific Discipline
Educators as Researchers
Chapter 2: Overview of the Educational Research Process
Planning the Research Study
Implementing the Research Study
Completing the Research Study
The Educational Research Process—A Brief Example
Chapter 3: Identifying a Research Problem
Identifying a Research Topic or Problem
Necessary Terminology Related to Research
Research Questions and Hypotheses
Chapter 4: Ethics in Educational Research
Ethical Considerations in the Conduct of Research
Ethics in Qualitative Versus Quantitative Studies
Institutional Review Boards
Chapter 5: Reviewing Related Research Literature
What is Literature Review?
Sources for Literature Related to Your Research Topics
Searching for ERIC Online Database
Searching the Google Scholar Online Database
Organizing and Writing Your Literature Review
Part II: Designing a Research Study
Chapter 6: Qualitative Research Methods
Characteristics of Qualitative Research
The Qualitative Research Process
Approaches to Conducting Qualitative Research
More About Ethnographic Research
More About Narrative Research
Chapter 7: Quantitative Research Methods
Characteristics of Quantitative Research
The Quantitative Research Process
Nonexperimental Research Designs
Experimental Research Designs
Threats to Validity in Quantitative Designs
Chapter 8: Mixed-Methods Research
Characteristics of Mixed-Methods Research
The Mixed-Methods Research Process
Approaches to Conducting Mixed-Methods Research
Validity, Strengths, and Limitations in Mixed-Methods Research
Chapter 9: Action Research
Characteristics of Action Research
The Action Research Process
Action Planning and Reflection
Validity in Action Research
Strengths and Limitations of Action Research
Chapter 10: Writing a Research Proposal
Purpose of a Research Proposal
General Aspects of a Research Proposal
Components of a Quantitative Research Proposal
Components of a Qualitative Research Proposal
Proposals for Action Research and Mixed-Methods Studies
Part III: Collecting and Analyzing Data
Chapter 11: Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis
Sampling Techniques in Qualitative Research
Qualitative Data Collection Techniques
Characteristics of Qualitative Data: Accuracy, Credibility, and Dependability
Qualitative Data Analysis Techniques
Chapter 12: Quantitative Data Collection
Sampling Techniques in Quantitative Research
Levels of Measurement
Quantitative Data Collection Techniques
Characteristics of Quantitative Data: Validity and Reliability
Chapter 13: Quantitative Data Analysis
Quantitative Data Analysis Techniques
Descriptive Statistical Analysis
Inferential Statistical Analysis
Cautions in Using Statistics
Part IV: The Research Report
Chapter 14: Writing a Final Research Report
Importance of the Audience
General Guidelines For Writing A Research Report
Practical Guidelines for Writing
Appendix A: Should I Stay or Should I Go? Understanding Teacher Motivation, Job Satisfaction, and Perceptions of Retention Among Arizona Teachers
Appendix B: Undocumented and College-Bound: A Case Study of the Supports and Barriers High School Students Encounter in Accessing Higher Education
Appendix C: The Impact of Book Reading in the Early Years on Parent–Child Language Interaction
Glossary
References
Index

Editorial Reviews

The book covers the basics of research in education and is simplified in a way that is easy for students to follow.

Julie K. Jhun

This is a well-written text which provides good quality examples which makes it more user-friendly.

Robert Ceglie

A foundational text for educational researchers.

Jeffrey Hunt

Mertler synthesizes a wealth of research methodology in one, eminently usable textbook. Designed for the beginning educational researcher, he covers all aspects of the research process and addresses a wide range of research methodologies: Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed-Methods, and Action Research. Written with as little jargon as possible, he dots each chapter with figures and tables that expand and extend the written text. From preparing to conduct a study through sampling, data collection and analysis, and interpretation, Mertler succinctly covers many aspects of the research process. His well-written study at the end of the book serves as a model for much of the material covered in previous chapters. This textbook will become a staple for beginning educational research courses for many years to come!

Patricia A. St John

A well-written, student focused introduction to education research text that is a great primer for helping students get ready to run their first study.

Samuel Sennott

Craig A. Mertler gives educators a practical look into the sometimes overwhelming practice of research. He constructs each chapter using an easy to understand tone, as well as offering reflective activities to provide deeper meaning and reflection on one’s own practice.

Kimberly Silbaugh

Comprehensive introductory text to educational research that provides students with practical and thorough information on how to be research producers and consumers.

Maryann Dudzinski