An Introduction to Educational Research: Connecting Methods to Practice / Edition 1

by Chad Lochmiller, Jessica Nina Lester

Overview

Written specifically for education practitioners, An Introduction to Educational Research: Connecting Methods to Practice approaches research methods from a practice-first perspective that aligns research with professional experiences and identifies the tools and resources readers can use when conducting their own research. Throughout the book, authors Chad R. Lochmiller and Jessica N. Lester illuminate complex research concepts using problems of practice confronting educators to help readers make meaningful connections with key concepts and research practices. The authors present balanced coverage across research methodologies that is linked to practice, so readers clearly see research as a tool they can use to improve classrooms, schools, districts, and educational organizations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781483319506
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	01/22/2016
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 9.80(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Chad Lochmiller is currently an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. He received a Ph.D. from the University of Washington in 2010 with a specialization in leadership, policy, and organizations. His research currently focuses on issues related to K-12 educational leadership. Broadly, his research explores how leaders develop capacity to effect positive changes in teaching and learning. His research has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals and in edited volumes. Furthermore, his teaching supports certification, masters, and doctoral students in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.

Jessica Lester is a Professor of Inquiry Methodology in the School of Education at Indiana University, Bloomington. Having been trained in cultural studies and qualitative research methodology, she takes an interdisciplinary approach to her scholarship, including both the methodological and substantive foci of her research program.

In her methodological work, Lester focuses on the study of language-based methods, digital tools in qualitative research, and disability in qualitative inquiry. Her substantive research has focused on examining interactional practices in clinical and educational contexts that involve children and youth.

Lester has received numerous awards for her scholarship, among them the 2014 AERA Division D Early Career Award in Measurement and Research Methodology, the 2018 APA Distinguished Early Career Contributions in Qualitative Inquiry Award, and the 2022 American Educational Studies Association Critics’ Choice Book Award. At Indiana University, Lester teaches qualitative methods courses and was recently recognized by the 2022 Gorman Distinguished Teaching Award.

Table of Contents

Part I: Examining the Foundations of Educational Research
Chapter 1: Studying Education Practice with Research
Practitioner-Scholars Defined
Using Problems of Practice to Frame Research
An Overview of the Problems of Practice
The Purposes and Types of Educational Research
Research Paradigms
Defining Research Methodologies and Research Methods
Chapter 2: Designing a Research Study
The Overarching Research Process
Designing a Research Study
Chapter 3: Reviewing the Literature
The Importance of the Literature Review
Unpacking the Literature Review
Difference between Qualitative and Quantitative Literature Reviews
The Process of Conducting a Literature Review
Staying Organized and Updated: A Few Reminders
Using Technology to Complete the Literature Review
Chapter 4: Considering Research Ethics
Ethics and Educational Research
Legal and Institutional Ethical Requirements
Managing Research Relationships with Schools and Districts
Considering Ethics Across the Research Process
Emerging Ethical Challenges
Part II: Considering Approaches to Educational Research
Chapter 5: Introducing Qualitative Research
Characteristics of Qualitative Research
Qualitative Methodologies
Chapter 6: Introducing Quantitative Research
Quantitative Research: Aims and Purposes
Characteristics of Quantitative Research
Quantitative Research Designs
Chapter 7: Collecting Qualitative and Quantitative Data
Sampling Strategies
Site Access and Participant Recruitment
Collecting Qualitative Data
Collecting Quantitative Data
Considering Technology Tools to Support Data Collection
Chapter 8: Completing Qualitative Data Analysis
Defining Qualitative Data Analysis: Aims and Purposes
Carrying Out Qualitative Data Analysis
Issues of Validity in Qualitative Research
Technology that Supports Qualitative Data Analysis
Chapter 9: Completing Quantitative Data Analysis
Quantitative Data Analysis: A Cyclical Approach
Descriptive statistics: Identifying Patterns, Trends, and Frequencies
Calculating Inferential Statistics
A Few of The Most Common Statistical Tests
Identifying Missing or Out-of-Range Data
Reliability and Validity in Quantitative Research
Technology that Supports Quantitative Data Analysis
Chapter 10: Introducing Mixed Methods Research and Analysis
Defining Mixed Methods Research
Characteristics of Mixed Methods Research
Mixed Methods Research Designs
Models of Mixed Methods Research
Selecting a Fixed or Emergent Mixed Methods Design
Beyond Selecting a Mixed Methods Model
Carrying Out a Mixed Methods Study
Mixed Methods Analysis
Chapter 11: Introducing Action Research
Overview of Action Research
The Action Research Cycle
Unique Considerations for Action Research
Using Technology in Action Research
Part III: Producing Research to Improve Practice
Chapter 12: Writing the Research
Engaging in the Academic Writing Process
The Basic Structure of a Research Report
Formulating Arguments and Presenting Findings
Technologies to Support Writing and Disseminating Research
Chapter 13: Using and Sharing Research to Improve Practice
Revisiting the Meaning of Practitioner-Scholarship
Technologies to Support Sharing Research
Summarizing the Research Process and the Methodologies Presented
Returning to the Place We Began: Problems of Practice
Conclusion

Editorial Reviews

School leaders, teachers, and other educators wanting to learn more about how to conduct research on important topics that will improve their knowledge and practice will find this book to be incredibly beneficial. Chad Lochmiller and Jessica Lester provide numerous examples of relevant research questions, strategies for collecting qualitative and quantitative data, ethical considerations influencing researchers, and effective ways to prepare and disseminate research findings. By presenting complex ideas in very readable and understandable terms, the authors demystify research jargon and approaches to conducting educational research. By furnishing educators with a fresh perspective on the practice and utility of educational research, this book provides a useful and practical approach for data-driven decision making.”

Bruce Barnett

"Links to practice are useful and clear, and provide “anchoring points” for the concepts and content. "

Wendy G. Troxel

"Very specific and well-articulated vocabulary reviews at the end of each chapter. "

Michael Putman

In writing this book, Lochmiller and Lester have made useful progress on an issue that long plagued education – the divide between worlds of research and practice. Having lived for a number of years in both of these worlds, I recognize that resources for teaching research practices and traditions to Ed. D. students are often not written to speak to the particular issues that education practitioners face. The authors have fulfilled the promise of creating a volume that truly addresses the “practitioner-scholar,” recognizing that the marriage of scholarly work traditions and the practice of education is necessary for those seeking to develop a deep understanding what happens in schools, defining and investigating problems of practice, and, ultimately, for imagining solutions that ensure schools and school systems work better for students. Along the way, the authors have incorporated practical exercises and regular opportunities for reflection on- and in- practice. This volume is a must read for those heading into leadership roles in schools and systems who want to incorporate a research-grounded frame, and who are interested in integrating research practices into their daily work. Well done!”

Michael Copland

The content is not overly complex but at the same time explains very important research method concepts”

Arturo Olivarez

It is practical for teacher leaders and researchers.”

Jill Bradley-Levine

The “practice-first” approach is very productive and creative. I enjoyed this aspect very much.”

Harriett Gaddy

The embedded activities, links, reflections, etc., in each chapter are excellent and hopefully, if used by the instructor/student, may lead to a deeper, richer class discussion.”

Dawn Behan