A perennial bestseller since 1997, this updated tenth edition of Understanding Research Methods provides a detailed overview of all the important concepts traditionally covered in a research methods class. It covers the principles of both qualitative and quantitative research, and how to interpret statistics without computations, so is suitable for all students regardless of their math background. The book is organized so that each concept is treated independently and can be used in any order without resulting in gaps in knowledge—allowing it to be easily and precisely adapted to any course. It uses lively examples on contemporary topics to stimulate students’ interest, and engages them by showing the relevance of research methods to their everyday lives. Numerous case studies and end-of-section exercises help students master the material and encourage classroom discussion. The text is divided into short, independent topic sections, making it easy for you to adapt the material to your own teaching needs and customize assignments to the aspect of qualitative or quantitative methods under study—helping to improve students’ comprehension and retention of difficult concepts. Additional online PowerPoint slides and test bank questions make this a complete resource for introducing students to research methods. New to this edition: New topic section on design decisions in research Additional material on production of knowledge and research methods Significant development of material on ethical considerations in research Fresh and contemporary examples from a wide variety of real, published research Topic-specific exercises at the end of each section now include suggestions for further steps researchers can take as they build their research project.

Understanding Research: Becoming a Competent and Critical Consumer helps students read research in an informed and critical manner, evaluate its usefulness, and apply the results to their own work and lives. Dedicated to helping readers become proficient in finding information and resources that enable them to live and work more effectively, the book is both realistic and relevant. The book opens with an exploration of why many practitioners and students feel they dislike research and why research really does matter. The subsequent chapters discuss how to understand the importance of research questions, evaluate the methods sections of research reports regarding participants, procedures, and data collection, interpret the results, and assess the discussion section. Chapters are framed by opening outlines and major concepts sections and ending conclusions and summaries. Filled with activities, exercises, and examples that help readers synthesize and apply skills, Understanding Research guides readers through the process of actively deciphering studies while thinking critically and analytically about problems and issues. The book is a lively and engaging read for students and practitioners alike. Jeffrey A. Kottler is one of the most prominent authors in the fields of counseling, psychotherapy, health, and education, having written over 100 books across a broad range of topics. He is a clinical professor in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and professor emeritus of counseling at California State University, Fullerton. He has served as a counselor, therapist, supervisor, educator, and social justice advocate in a variety of professional settings throughout his career. Laurie A. Sharp completed her Ed.D. in educational leadership at Tarleton State University. Currently the Dr. John G. O'Brien Distinguished Chair in Education at West Texas A&M University, she works with faculty and area public school leadership to identify topics for research consideration.

Understanding and Evaluating Research: A Critical Guide shows students how to be critical consumers of research and to appreciate the power of methodology as it shapes the research question, the use of theory in the study, the methods used, and how the outcomes are reported. The book starts with what it means to be a critical and uncritical reader of research, followed by a detailed chapter on methodology, and then proceeds to a discussion of each component of a research article as it is informed by the methodology. The book encourages readers to select an article from their discipline, learning along the way how to assess each component of the article and come to a judgment of its rigor or quality as a scholarly report.

The full text downloaded to your computer With eBooks you can: search for key concepts, words and phrases make highlights and notes as you study share your notes with friends eBooks are downloaded to your computer and accessible either offline through the Bookshelf (available as a free download), available online and also via the iPad and Android apps. Upon purchase, you'll gain instant access to this eBook. Time limit The eBooks products do not have an expiry date. You will continue to access your digital ebook products whilst you have your Bookshelf installed. Understanding Research is an accessible and visually-appealing introduction to research. Whether students become producers or consumers of research, this text shows them that the subject is both interesting and highly relevant for their lives and professional work.

Understanding and applying research methods and statistics in psychology is one of the corner stones of study at undergraduate level. To enable all undergraduate psychology students to carry out their own investigations the textbook covers basic and advanced qualitative and quantitative methods and follows a sequential structure starting from first principles to more advanced techniques. Accompanied by a companion website, the textbook: - Grounds all techniques to psychological theory relating each topic under discussion to well established pieces of research - Can be used by the student at beginning and more advanced undergraduate level - therefore a `one-stop′ shop - Includes a creative and practical selection of heuristic devices that cement knowledge of the techniques and skills covered in the textbook

A guide to understanding digital research from both a conceptual and practical perspective, helping the reader to make sense of the issues, challenges and opportunities of social science research in the digital age. The book will help the reader to understand how the digital context impacts on social science research and is divided into three main sections: A Justification & Reconceptualization of Digital Research: The authors explore how far the digital environment is transforming social science research. Accessing Digital Data: An outline of the characteristics of digital data, temporality issues in digital research and different data sources. Moving Forward with Digital Research: Examining the practicalities of how to conduct digital research, with examples and suggestions to strengthen the implementation of digital research. Suitable for Masters and Doctoral students undertaking digital or online research methods courses, as well as anyone doing a research project or dissertation with an online component.

There is virtually no way to complete one's education without encountering a research report. The book that has helped demystify qualitative and quantitative research articles for thousands of readers, from the authors of the best-selling Proposals that Work, has been revised. This edition is completely reorganized to separate quantitative and qualitative research with four new distinct sections (research reports, quantitative research, qualitative research, and research reviews. The authors presume no special background in research, and begin by introducing and framing the notion of reading research within a wider social context. Next they offer insight on when to seek out research, locating and selecting the right reports, and how to help evaluate research for trustworthiness.