Synopses & Reviews
This text provides a comprehensive introduction to educational research. Each step in the research process is described and discussed in detail, and thorough coverage of the most widely-used research methodologies in education is provided. New to this edition is an expanded focus on qualitative methods. New Parts V and VI provide an expanded introduction to qualitative methods, and take a close look at different qualitative methodologies. Also new is an enhanced chapter on Action Research. Examples of key concepts and ideas in all chapters highlight the text’s practicability, and step-by-step analyses of real research studies, and. End-of-chapter Problem Sheets, comprehensive coverage of data analysis, and how to prepare research proposals and reports make the text appropriate both for courses that focus on doing research and for those that stress how to read and understand research. To keep students engaged, the authors' writing is simple and direct. Clarifying examples, summarizing charts, tables and diagrams, numerous illustrations of key concepts and ideas, and a friendly two-color design enhance the content. This is the only copiously illustrated educational research text available. Packaged with the text are an Interactive Student CD-Rom and Student Workbook that provide practice opportunity and resources.
About the Author
Jack R. Fraenkel is currently Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Director of the Research and Development Center, School of Education, San Francisco State University. He received his Ph.D. from Stanford University, and has taught courses in research methodology for more than twenty years. His current work centers around advising and assisting faculty and students in the generation and development of research endeavors.Norman E. Wallen is Professor Emeritus of Interdisciplinary Studies in Education at San Francisco State University, where he taught from 1966 to 1992. An experienced researcher, he received his Ph.D. from Syracuse University and taught courses in statistics and research design to master’s and doctoral students for many years. His current work focuses on strategies for the recruitment and retention of at-risk students.
Table of Contents
PART I: INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCHChp.1. The Nature of Educational ResearchPART II: THE BASICS OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCHChp.2. The Research ProblemChp.3. Variables and HypothesesChp.4. Ethics and ResearchChp.5. Review of the LiteratureChp.6. SamplingChp.7. InstrumentationChp.8. Validity and ReliabilityChp.9. Internal Validity PART III: DATA ANALYSISChp.10. Descriptive StatisticsChp.11. Inferential StatisticsChp.12. Statistics in Perspective PART IV: QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGIESChp.13. Experimental ResearchChp.14. Single-Subject ResearchChp.15. Correlational ResearchChp.16. Causal-Comparative ResearchChp.17. Survey Research PART V: INTRODUCTION TO QUALITATIVE RESEARCHChp.18. The Nature of Qualitative ResearchChp.19. Observation and InterviewingChp.20. Content Analysis PART VI: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGIESChp.21. Ethnographic ResearchChp.22. Historical Research PART VII: RESEARCH BY PRACTITIONERSChp.23. Action Research PART VIII: Writing Research Proposals and ReportsChp.24. Preparing Research Proposals and ReportsAppendixes A-1Appendix A: Portion of a Table of Random NumbersAppendix B: Selected Values from a Normal Curve TableAppendix C: Chi-Square DistributionAppendix D: Illustration of Statistical ProceduresGlossaryIndex