Understanding Research in Education

Book excerpt: This text provides a solid introduction to the foundations of research methods, with the goal of enabling students and professionals in the various fields of education to not simply become casual consumers of research who passively read bits and pieces of research articles, but discerning consumers able to effectively use published research for practical purposes in educational settings. All issues important for understanding and using published research for these purposes are covered. Key principles are illustrated with research studies published in refereed journals across a wide spectrum of education. Exercises distributed throughout the text encourage readers to engage interactively with what they are reading at the point when the information is fresh in their minds. This text is designed for higher level undergraduate and graduate programs. Course instructors will find that it provides a solid framework in which to promote student interaction and discussion on important issues in research methodology.