Understanding Research: Becoming a Competent and Critical Consumer / Edition 1

by W. Paul Jones, Jeffrey Kottler

Overview

Beginning with Chapter Two, every chapter in the text emulates a standard published research report. o Readers will learn how to read and evaluate research questions, hypotheses, and the literature review (Chapter Two). o Readers will learn how to effectively evaluate the appropriateness of the sample used in the study (Chapter Three). o Readers will firstly apply principles of logic to evaluate research design and measurement tools (Chapter Four). o Readers learn how to discern results of a research report, including the statistics involved (Chapter Five). o Readers then evaluate the summarization of the researchers' findings (Chapter Six). The final chapter gives readers the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a "do-it-yourself" fashion. Chapter Seven is a full exercise on research practice and evaluation allowing readers to try their hand at two different approaches to the research process. Reflective Exercises and An Exercise for Review located throughout the text—allow readers to think critically about the subject and apply what they are learning. See a few examples on pages 40, 56, 110. Answers to the Reflective Exercises are found at the back of every chapter. Three sample research studies can be found at the end of the text. o Appendix A is a comparative study of three methods used to present ethics to practicum students earning their master's degrees in mental health. o Appendix B is a case study outlining a research project that asks, "Can schools be vehicles for improving race relations?" o Appendix C outlines a study involving college-age students that looks at the relationship to procrastination and efficacy expectations, feelings of anxiety, and gender.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780131198449
Publisher:	Pearson
Publication date:	03/03/2005
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.70(d)

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 What is Research and Why You Should Care?

Chapter 2 What is the Question and Why is it Important? Evaluating the Introduction of a Research Report

Chapter 3 Who Answered the Question? Evaluating the Participant Sample

Chapter 4 Could They Answer the Question? Evaluating the Procedures and Instrumentation

Chapter 5 What Was the (Simple) Answer Please? Evaluating the Results Section

Chapter 6 So, Now What? Evaluating the Discussion Section

Chapter 7 Not the Last Chapter

Appendix A. Teaching Ethics to Mental Health Practica Students at the Master's Level: A Comparative Study.

Appendix B. Segregated Classrooms, Integrated Intent: How One School Responded to the Challenge of Developing Positive Interethnic Relations.

Appendix C. Procrastination in College Students: The Role of Self Efficacy and Anxiety.

Bibliography.

Index.