Research Essentials: An Introduction to Designs and Practices - Paperback

by Stephen D. Lapan (Editor), Marylynn T. Quartaroli (Editor)

This is an accessible and practical introduction to research that addresses the broadest spectrum of research methodologies of interest to the student or new research, from experimental and survey approaches to program evaluation and ethnography. Research Essentials includes key interpretive and qualitative strategies. The book shows the role that research plays in the social sciences and education, followed by an overview of research traditions. It offers practical examples and relevant resources across the disciplines. Other features include study questions, lists of relevant journals, web sites, and organizations.

Back Jacket

Research Essentials: An Introduction to Designs and Practices addresses the broad spectrum of research methodologies for the student or new researcher in a practical manner.

The comprehensive approach of Research Essentials includes key interpretive and qualitative strategies. With contributions from experts in research, Stephen D. Lapan and MaryLynn T. Quartaroli offer an innovative discussion of sources of knowledge and explain the role that research plays in the social sciences and education. Their book explores research traditions, making explicit distinctions between disciplines of inquiry-approaches or methodologies-and data collection procedures-techniques or methods-and addresses topics such as ethics in research and conducting literature reviews. It includes an array of specific approaches used in designing research studies.

Each chapter includes the most pertinent and useful information about the research approach, addressing background, definitions, contrasting approaches, sampling and design alternatives, data collection and analysis, and appropriate uses of study results. The book is packed with practical examples and relevant resources from across the disciplines in the social sciences and education. Study questions placed throughout each chapter and lists of the most relevant journals, websites, and organizations enhance and provide support to student learning.

Author Biography

STEPHEN D. LAPAN, PHD, is professor in the College of Education at Northern Arizona University and directs its Curriculum and Instruction Doctoral Program. He has conducted research, including program evaluations, and has developed and taught courses in statistics, tests and measurements, program evaluation, action research, introduction to research, and paradigms for research. Currently, he teaches introductory and advanced research courses.

MARYLYNN T. QUARTAROLI, EDD, is project director of the NEXUS Math/Science grant to Northern Arizona University project for Science Foundation Arizona. She teaches paradigms of research in education and advanced curriculum seminar classes for Northern Arizona University's Curriculum and Instruction Doctoral Program.