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In each chapter of the new edition, Dr. Donna M. Mertens carefully explains a step of the research process - from the literature review to analysis and reporting - and includes a sample study and abstract to illustrate the concepts discussed. Particular emphasis is given to conducting research in culturally complex communities, based on the perspectives of feminists, ethnic/ racial minorities and people with disabilities,


New to this edition:




Increased coverage of digital research, with examples of research studies that use Twitter, Facebook, and digital data collection strategies




Increased coverage of mixed methods studies as examples so readers can see how mixed methods can be used with a wide range of research perspectives and methods.




Intersectionality is added as an essential part of effectively researching with marginalized communities
Ethics in research is addressed throughout, emphasizing its importance throughout the process of planning, conducting and using research
Critical issues that have arisen in society are addressed, including violence in schools, sexual abuse, disproportionate severe discipline practices with students of colour and strategies to support inclusion of people with disabilities

Research and Evaluation in Education and Psychology: Integrating Diversity With Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods

Preface

Companion Website

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Chapter 1: An Introduction to Research and Ethical Practice

Why Bother?

What is Research?

Research Terminology

Approach Taken in This Book

Major Paradigms in Research: A Brief History of Research

Postpositivism

Constructivist Paradigm

Transformative Paradigm

Pragmatic Paradigm

Politics, Legislation, and the Paradigms

Contested Territory: Quality, Causality, and Objectivity

Merging Paradigms-Across Differences

Chapter 2: Evaluation

Defining Evaluation

Distinguishing Research and Evaluation

History and Models of Evaluation

Resources and Processes for Conducting Evaluations

Steps in Planning an Evaluation

Standards for Critically Evaluating Evaluations

Ethics and Evaluation: The Guiding Principles

Questions for Critically Analyzing Evaluation

Evaluation Resources for Program and Policy Evaluations

Chapter 3: Literature Review and Focusing the Research

Reasons for Doing Literature Reviews

The Search Process

Critical Analysis of Literature Reviews

Questions for Critically Analyzing Literature Reviews

Chapter 4: Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Research

Importance of Experimental Design

Research Designs and Threats to Validity

Experimental, Quasi-Experimental, and Single-Group Designs

Other Design Issues

Challenges to Using Experimental Designs in Educational and Psychological Research

Transformative Perspectives Regarding Experimental Research

Postpositivist Rejoinder

Final Thoughts

Questions for Critically Analyzing Experimental, Quasi-Experimental, and Single Group Designs

Where to From Here?

Chapter 5: Causal Comparative and Correlational Approaches

Inherent Characteristics: Challenging Issues

Causal Comparative Research

Correlational Research

Questions for Critically Analyzing Causal Comparative and Correlational Research

Chapter 6: Survey Methods

Design Phase

Sampling Plan

Designing the Survey Instrument

Pilot Testing the Questionnaire

Language Differences between the Researcher and the Respondent

Special Types of Questions

Letter of Transmittal

Conducting the Survey

Data Analysis and Troubleshooting Your Survey Instrument

Questions for Critically Analyzing Survey Research

Chapter 7: Single-Case Research

Quality Issues in Single-Case Research

Design Options

Data Analysis In Single-Case Research

Questions for Critically Analyzing Single-Case Research

Chapter 8: Qualitative Research and Action Research

Basis for Selection of Qualitative Methods

Types of Qualitative Research

Data Collection

General Methodological Guidelines

Translation Issues in Multilingual Contexts

Qualitative Data Collection Methods

Critically Analyzing Qualitative Research

Questions for Critically Analyzing Qualitative Research

Chapter 9: History, Narrative Study of Lives, and Autoethnography

Why Study History?

Importance of Historical, Narrative, and Autoethnographic Research

Types of Historical, Narrative, and Autoethnographic Research

Steps in Conducting Historical-Narrative Research

Notes on Biographical Research

Notes on Autoethnographic, Autobiographical/Self-Study Research

Questions for Critically Analyzing Historical-Narrative Research

Chapter 10: Mixed Methods Research

Definition and Characteristics

Importance in Educational and Psychological Research

Philosophical Assumptions and Mixed Methods Research

Mixed Methods Design Options

Questions for Critically Analyzing Mixed Methods Research

Chapter 11: Sampling

Definition, Selection, and Ethics

External Validity (Generalizability) or Transferability

Defining the Population and Sample

Identification of Sample Members

Sampling Strategies

Sampling Bias

Access Issues

Sample Size

Ethics and Protection of Study Participants

Questions for Critically Analyzing Sampling Strategies

Chapter 12: Data Collection

Operationalizing Concepts

Quantitative Measurement Topics

Selection and Development of Quantitative Instruments

Developing a Data Collection Instrument

Qualitative Data Collection Methods

Mixed Methods and Data Collection

Standards for Judging Quality of Data Collection

Questions for Critically Analyzing Data Collection

Chapter 13: Data Analysis, Interpretation, and Use

Quantitative Analysis Strategies

Qualitative Analytic Strategies

Analytic and Interpretive Issues in Mixed Methods

A Research Plan: The Management Plan and Budget

Writing Research Reports

Utilization of the Research Results

Questions for Critically Analyzing Data Analysis and Interpretation