Essentials of Research Methods in Education - Softcover

Scott Buckler; Harriett Moore

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1036215423 ISBN 13: 9781036215422

Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd, 2026

Synopsis

This book provides pragmatic advice and guidance on how to undertake educational research. 

Using the concept of research as a ‘quest’, it takes you on a journey from planning stages, through data collection to analysis, to writing up your findings, and at each stage, exploring the principles and practice that can support your own research projects. 

This second edition has been carefully revised throughout to offer:

• A more logical structure and better signposting of key topics to support your understanding of the research process.
• Important ethical considerations throughout to demonstrate how research ethics are vital at every step.
• Engaging and thought-provoking commentaries on how to progress in your ‘research quest’.
• Enhanced granular detail on different methodological approaches.

This is essential reading for students on all education courses that include a research methods module or project.

About this title

About the Authors

Scott Buckler has been involved in education since the 1990s, fluctuating between primary teaching, secondary teaching (science, computing, psychology), and universities (education, sport, psychology). From teaching research methods across the expanse of education (from the primary years through to doctorates), Scott has been an advocate of high quality research, through facilitating an open mind while maintaining academic integrity.

His research has encompassed many areas, often with the theme of personal and professional growth, through the lens of transpersonal psychology. His PhD thesis was interdisciplinary, combining anthropology and psychology to explore the way that the martial arts lead to personal transformation. Professionally, Scott’s research is predominantly in applied educational psychology, inclusive education, and research methods.

Scott is a Chartered Teacher and Chartered Psychologist.

Harriett Moore has a varied background within the field of both education and research.  She studied animal behaviour at University College Chester (a college of Liverpool University) where she engaged with a wide selection of research methodologies, from observational approaches to applied research in a range of contexts. Her skills have transferred effectively into analysing human behaviour.

Harriett has been involved with education since the mid-2000s as a secondary teacher, IT Operations Manager, among other roles. Throughout her career, Harriett has engaged with applied research to help facilitate change and to inform a variety of audiences, continually challenging perspectives in the limitations of what people think is possible, and what can actually be achieved.

Harriett currently manages the school’s Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and is a firm believer that education is much more than classroom based learning, rather requiring a “whole-person centred” approach. Her current research projects include teacher wellbeing, martial arts within the school setting, and student/staff perceptions on elearning.

From the Back Cover

A comprehensive undergraduate textbook on research methods in education combining a broad overview of principles and practice with practical guidance to support your own educational research projects.

Edition details

• Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1036215423
• ISBN 13: 9781036215422
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 368