Introduction to Educational Research - Hardcover

Charles, C. M.; Mertler, Craig A.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0321081757 ISBN 13: 9780321081759

Publisher: Pearson, 2001

Synopsis

This practical introductory text helps students understand, conduct, and interpret both qualitative and quantitative paradigms in educational research methods.

This book is organized around eight research methods to help users plan and conduct their first educational research projects. By proceeding through chapter contents and completing the in-text exercises, readers will simultaneously prepare a research plan and learn how to obtain and analyze data, address research questions and hypotheses, and prepare a report of their projects. In keeping with the main purpose of helping users clearly understand and apply research concepts, many pedagogical features have been included in the book. Additionally, each chapter contains one or more special sections titled “Applying Technology.”

About this title

From the Back Cover

"This is an excellent textbook that covers information on educational research in a comprehensive style. The textbook's logical format, accuracy, and many clear examples, relevent to educational research, provide students and any reader with samples to more easily familiarize themselves with the tools needed to conduct a research investigation."

-- Laura J. Shea Doolan, St. Joseph's College

 

"[Mertler] provides a very organized, non-technical introductory text to enhance students' comprehension and interpretation of both qualitative and quantitiative techiques in educational research."

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

 

This text balances quantitative and qualitative research methods and 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 every chapter contains multiple pedagogical supports.

 

MyEducationLab for Research is integrated throughout the seventh edition. Every chapter contains margin icons that correlate chapter topics to assignments and activities within the MyEducationLab website. MyEducationLab is an interactive learning website that helps students practice and strengthen skills that are essential to understanding and producing good research. 

 

 

About the Author

Craig A. Mertler is currently a Professor and Director of the Doctoral Program in School Improvement in the College of Education at the University of West Georgia. He teaches doctoral courses focused on the application of action research to promote school improvement and reform, and also teaches quantitative research methods, introductory statistical analysis, multivariate statistical analysis, and educational assessment methods. He is the author of 5 books, 2 invited book chapters, 15 refereed journal articles, 2 instructors’ manuals, and numerous nonrefereed articles and manuscripts. He has also presented numerous research papers at professional meetings around the country, as well as internationally. He conducts workshops for inservice educational professionals on classroom-based action research and on the broad topic of classroom assessment. His primary research interests include classroom-based action research, professional learning communities, and assessment practices of classroom teachers. Before teaching and researching at the university level, he taught high school biology and earth science, and also coached track and volleyball. In his leisure time, he enjoys travelling with his family and playing golf.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pearson
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0321081757
• ISBN 13: 9780321081759
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 480