This book is for anyone who wishes to improve university teaching and learning through systematic inquiry. It provides advice, but also a constructive critique of research methods and, in turn, the authors also make a contribution to the theories of research methodology. Topics covered include ontology, epistemology and engagement with academic literature, as well as research design approaches and methods of data collection. There is a keen focus on quality in both the analysis and evaluation of research and new models are proposed to help the new researcher. The authors conclude by examining the challenges in getting work published and close with some words on quality of thought and action. The ideas in the book come from the authors’ extensive experience in teaching research methods courses in higher education, health and the corporate sector, as well as several empirical research projects that have helped provide a methodology for higher education. It will be of particular interest to postgraduate students, academic developers and experienced academics from a wide variety of disciplines.

'This work will be of immense value to those who are undertaking a significant post-graduate research study in Education. The array of impressive contributors writes in an accessible and clear manner, and brings the attention of the reader to both technical and conceptual terms. This book certainly will be an addition to my own reference library' - Susan Groundwater-Smith, Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney This straightforward and jargon-free book will provide students with the theoretical understandings, practical knowledge and skills they need to carry out independent research. The international contributors identify key research methodologies, data collection tools and analysis methods, and focus on the direct comparisons between them. Each chapter sets out the strengths and weaknesses of a key research method by: identifying specific research designs presenting a series of relevant data collection tools highlighting which analytical methods which can be used. The chapters cover the full range of methods and methodologies, including internet research, mixed methods research and the various modes of ethnographic research. Additional online materials are also available including links to useful journal articles enabling further reading and exploration of each chapter. This is a key book for M-level students and other postgraduates within Education and Educational Research Methods courses. James Arthur is Head of School and Professor of Education and Civic Engagement at the University of Birmingham, UK. Michael J. Waring is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Sport, Exercise and Human Sciences at Loughborough University, UK. Robert Coe is Professor in the School of Education and Director of the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM), Durham University, UK. Larry V. Hedges (PhD) is Board of Trustees Professor of Statistics and Social Policy, at the Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, US.

This comprehensive text introduces current scientific research with interesting, familiar issues to engage students.

Education inevitably influences society and our future. As literature and experience tells, educational leaders impact not only their institutions, but ultimately the learning outcomes for a large portion of society’s members. Educational leaders are charged with more than creating a viable future for an institution; they are also charged with contributing to and creating a viable, positive human future—not an easy task amid the turbulence and disruption of our times. The Handbook of Research on Educational Leadership and Research Methodology discusses the evolution of educational leadership knowledge, thoughts, and practices by sharing the perspectives, experiences, theories, and philosophies related to educational leadership and research methodologies across all levels of education. Covering topics such as critical race design, toxic leadership, and adult learning, this major reference work is a critical resource for faculty and administrators of both K-12 and higher education, principals, superintendents, chancellors, directors, pre-service teachers, teaching instructors, government officials, librarians, researchers, and academicians.

With new chapters and updated content throughout, this second edition of Higher Education Research Methodology is an essential guide to systematic inquiry into higher education. Providing practical and theoretical guidance for students, topics covered include ontology and epistemology, as well as research design approaches and methods of data collection. New to this edition are two brand new chapters on conceptual and theoretical frameworks, and research justification, as well as a comprehensive revision of the chapter on engaging with academic literature. Throughout the book there is a keen focus on quality in both the analysis and evaluation of research and new models are proposed to help the new researcher. The authors provide advice as well as constructive critique of research methods and, in turn, offer a new contribution to the theories of research methodology. Looking beyond the immediate higher education environment, the book concludes by examining the challenges of getting work published and providing guidance on how to do this successfully. Thoroughly revised, this new edition of Higher Education Research Methodology will be of interest to postgraduate students, academic developers and experienced academics from a wide variety of disciplines.

This volume of Theory and Method in Higher Education Research explores several timely topics including transnational approaches to higher education policy, universities contributions to society, data collection in higher education, virtual and blended research, and more.

Theory and Method in Higher Education Research contains contemporary contributions to international debates regarding the application and development of theory and methodology in researching higher education.