A Guide to Research for Educators and Trainers of Adults

Book excerpt: Most texts on educational research methods present only the most commonly used research designs and draw supporting material from school-related studies. The authors have presented a full range of methodology for doing research, with examples from research studies done with adults in adult settings. Chapters of the book are devoted to both traditional and less traditional research methodologies used to study adult education and training. To provide an organizing framework, the common processes found in all research approaches are used as a guide: (1) types of research problems, (2) assumptions underlying methodology, (3) ways the research phenomenon is delineated, and (4) use of data gathering procedures and techniques. Throughout the discussion, examples of actual research studies will be used and strengths and limitations of each method pointed out.