Synopses & Reviews
Understanding Research: a Consumer's Guide is the first text that places its focus squarely on the needs of the research consumer. This text helps develop in readers the skills, knowledge and strategies needed to read and interpret research reports and to evaluate the quality of such reports.
Praise for Understanding Research:
“The author[s] ha[ve] developed powerful and elegant ways to present and organize key research concepts in a way that I believe would allow complex ideas to be readily accessible to the beginning student of research. I think it is a remarkable presentation; the author[s] address concepts that I have found from experience to be difficult for new research students to grasp, and present them clearly, coherently and comprehensibly.”
Nancy Mansberger
Western Michigan University
“This manuscript uses example articles in a more integrated way, with articles serving as instructional illustrations and the basis for student exercises throughout the book.”
Pamela F. Murphy
Virginia Tech
“The figures that guide the reader to take responsibility for critiquing published studies are a plus. I don’t see any weaknesses. In fact, I’m already wishing I could try out this text next fall.”
Pamela H. Baker
George Mason University
Synopsis
Understanding Research: a Consumer's Guide is the first text that places its focus squarely on the needs of the research consumer. This exciting new text helps develop in readers the skills, knowledge and strategies needed to read and interpret research reports and to evaluate the quality of such reports. Users rave about the easy to use and easy to understand format that makes this text perfect for anyone.
Table of Contents
PART I -- An Introduction to Research
Chapter 1 -- The Process of Research: Learning How Research Is Done
The Quantitative Parent Involvement Study
The Qualitative Parent Role Study
Chapter 2 -- Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches to Research
PART II -- UNDERSTANDING THE INTRODUCTIONS TO RESEARCH REPORTS
Chapter 3 -- The Research Problem: Identifying Why a Study Is Important
The Qualitative New Teacher Study
Chapter 4 -- The Literature Review: Examining the Background for a Study
Chapter 5 -- The Purpose: Identifying the Intent of a Study
The Quantitative Goal Orientation Study
PART III -- UNDERSTANDING THE METHODS AND RESULTS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH REPORTS
Chapter 6 -- Quantitative Research Designs: Recognizing the Overall Plan for a Study
Chapter 7 -- Quantitative Data Collection: Identifying How Information Is Gathered
The Quantitative Youth Literacy Study
Chapter 8 -- Quantitative Data Analysis and Results: Examining What Was Found in a Study
PART IV -- UNDERSTANDING THE METHODS AND RESULTS OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH REPORTS
Chapter 9 -- Qualitative Research Designs: Recognizing the Overall Plan for a Study
Chapter 10 -- Qualitative Data Collection: Identifying How Information Is Gathered
The Qualitative Classroom Management Study
Chapter 11 -- Qualitative Data Analysis and Results: Examining What Was Found in a Study
PART V -- UNDERSTANDING REPORTS THAT COMBINE QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Chapter 12 -- Mixed Methods Research
The Mixed Methods Learning Environment Study
Chapter 13 -- Action Research Designs: Research for Solving Practical Problems
The Action Research Internet Skills Study
PART VI -- UNDERSTANDING THE CONCLUSIONS TO RESEARCH REPORTS
Chapter 14 -- Interpreting Research