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Introduction to Educational Research, 6/E
Craig A. Mertler, Bowling Green State University
Carol M. Charles, Emeritus, San Diego State University

ISBN-10: 0205510000
ISBN-13: 9780205510009

Publisher: Merrill
Copyright: 2008
Format: Paper; 448 pp
Published: 12/06/2006

Suggested retail price: $118.67
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This non-technically written, hands-on introductory text is supported by up-to-date technology to assist students’ comprehension and interpretation of both qualitative and quantitative techniques in educational research methods. 

 

Introduction to Educational Research, Sixth Edition, guides learners through eight research methods to help plan and compose their first educational research project. Through chapter contents and in-text exercises, readers simultaneously learn how to prepare a research plan, gather and analyze data, address research questions and hypotheses, and organize a report of their projects. In keeping with the main purpose of helping students clearly understand and apply research concepts, the language of the text is non-technical and there are many pedagogical features throughout the text.

  • The most practically oriented research methods textbook on the market!
  • Focuses on eight types of quantitative and qualitative research studies to highlight applications students will actually use.
  • “Developmental Activity” sections in Chapters 1 through 9 help students break down the research process into easy-to-follow steps and then integrate those steps into their final research projects.
  • Many pedagogical features include chapter previews, graphic organizers of chapter contents, in-text application exercises, end-of-chapter activities, an extensive glossary, “Targeted Learning” objectives, and progress checks in each chapter to clarify concepts and help students better comprehend the material.
  • “Applying Technology” sections in each chapter provide students with related Websites and technology applications that help them understand and apply chapter contents.
  • TECHNOLOGY ADVANTAGE – TakeNote!, an innovative Web tool, facilitates the writing process and assists struggling students in developing their research proposal (Appendix B).
  •  TECHNOLOGY ADVANTAGE – A Companion Website, www.ablongman.com/mertler6e, provides professors with supplementary updated PowerPoint lectures, chapter quizzes, activities, a message board, sample research proposals and surveys, a sample data file, and statistical decision-making trees. Research Navigator is also integrated with the text by means of key work icons and chapter activities.

  • A new chapter titled Mixed-Methods Research Designs has been added as Chapter 14
  • The 5th edition's Chapter 10 (ethnographic research) and part of Chapter 12 (historical research) have been combined into a new chapter titled Qualitative Research Methods (Chapter 10), which includes a broader, more comprehensive overview of approaches to qualitative research
  • The remaining part of the 5th edition's Chapter 12 (descriptive  research) has been revised into a new chapter titled Survey Research (Chapter 11)
  • Correlational research (formerly Chapter 13) and causal-comparative research (formerly part of Chapter 14) have been combined into a new chapter titled Nonexperimental Quantitative Research (Chapter 12)
  • Expanded sample research proposals and final research report sections present easy-to-access examples for both professor and student.
  • Nine new, more current exemplar studies (all published between 2002 and 2005) have been incorporated into Chapters 10-15
  • The additional research articles, all available through Research NavigatorTM and in full-text, which appear in Chapters 10 through 15 have been updated.
  • In Chapters 1 through 9, brief suggestions for online activities to instructors of online courses are provided in sections titled Tips for Online Courses.

I. ORIENTATION TO EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH.

1. Educational Research: Its Nature and Rules of Operation.

2. Types of Educational Research and Corresponding Sources of Data.

 

II. PRELIMINARY SKILLS NEEDED FOR CONDUCTING RESEARCH.

3. Selecting, Refining, and Proposing a Topic for Research.

4. Locating Published Research.

5. Interpreting and Summarizing Published Research.

 

III. CONDUCTING YOUR OWN RESEARCH PROJECT.

6. Designing a Research Project.

7. Procedures and Tools for Gathering Data.

8. Analyzing Research Data and Presenting Findings.

9. Preparing a Research Report.

 

IV. PROCEDURES AND EXEMPLARS IN EIGHT TYPES OF RESEARCH.

10. Qualitative Research Methods. .

11. Survey Research. .

12. Nonexperimental Quantitative Research. .

13. Experimental, Quasi-Experimental, and Single-Subject Research. .

14. Mixed-Methods Research Designs. .

15. Action and Evaluation Research

 

Appendix A: Overview of Statistical Concepts and Procedures.

Appendix B:  Using TakeNote! To Organize Your Research Reports.

Glossary.

Index.

Dr. Craig A. Mertler is currently an Associate Professor of Educational Assessment and Research Methodologies at Bowling Green (OH) State University. Dr. Mertler teaches graduate courses in quantitative research methods, introductory and multivariate statistical analysis, and assessment methods. He is currently the author of 5 books, 2 invited book chapters, 12 refereed journal articles, 2 instructors’ manuals, and numerous nonrefereed articles and manuscripts. His books include:

§         Mertler, C. A. (in press). Interpreting standardized test scores:  Strategies for data-driven instructional decision making. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

§         Mertler, C. A.  (2006).  Action research: Teachers as researchers in the classroom.  Thousand Oaks, CA:  Sage.

§         Mertler, C. A. & Vannatta, R. A. (2005). Advanced and multivariate statistical methods: Practical application and interpretation (3rd ed.). Los Angeles: Pyrczak.

Mertler, C. A.  (2003).  Classroom assessment:  A practical guide for educators.  Los Angeles:  Pyrczak.

“The textbook’s logical format, accuracy, and many clear examples that are relevant to educational research provide students and any reader with samples to more easily familiarize themselves with tools needed to conduct a research investigation.”

–Laura J. Shea Doolan, St. Joseph’s College

 

“[Introduction to Educational Research] provides a very organized, non-technical introduction to enhance students’ comprehension and interpretation of both qualitative and quantitative techniques in educational research.”

–Li-Ling Chen, California State University at East Bay

 

 

This hands-on introductory text is supported by up-to-date technology. To develop students’ understanding of research concepts, the text presents qualitative and quantitative techniques.

 

The text guides learners through nine research methods to help plan and compose their first educational research project. Through chapter content and in-text exercises, readers simultaneously learn how to prepare a research plan, gather and analyze data, address research questions and hypotheses, and organize a research report. In keeping with the main purpose of helping students clearly understand and apply research concepts, the language of the text is non-technical and there are many pedagogical features throughout the text.

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    © 2008 | Merrill | Electronic Book; 448 pages | Instock
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