In The Practical Researcher, Dana S. Dunn’s student-friendly writing style and personal tone provide readers with a practical and engaging introduction to research methods in psychology. Using basic theory, solid research practices, and step-by-step techniques, the author leads students through the process of conducting a project from start to finish. The importance of learning to search, read, and critique the psychological literature, as well as writing clearly about it, are emphasized throughout. Boxed features called “Research Foundations” present key issues faced by researchers, allowing students to ponder various controversies, while numerous examples, practical tips, and applied material bring the process of doing research to life. Packed with useful decision trees, tables, checklists, and illustrations, this clear and precise book will equip students with the tools they need to carry out their research successfully.

For undergraduate or graduate courses that include planning, conducting, and evaluating research. A do-it-yourself, understand-it-yourself manual designed to help students understand the fundamental structure of research and the methodical process that leads to valid, reliable results. Written in uncommonly engaging and elegant prose, this text guides the reader, step-by-step, from the selection of a problem, through the process of conducting authentic research, to the preparation of a completed report, with practical suggestions based on a solid theoretical framework and sound pedagogy. Suitable as the core text in any introductory research course or even for self-instruction, this text will show students two things: 1) that quality research demands planning and design; and, 2) how their own research projects can be executed effectively and professionally.

Translating the theory side of research methods into practice, this title leads students through the process of developing and conducting research. It includes step-by-step tables and figures in chapters. In addition to learning about research theory, students learn the importance of reading, writing, and critiquing journal articles.

There is an alluring desire that research should lead us to find the practical knowledge that enables people to live a good life in a just and equitable society. This desire haunted the 19th century emergence of the social sciences as a discipline, then became more pronounced in the postwar mobilizations of research. Today that desire lives on in the international assessments of national schools and in the structure of professional education, both of which influence government modernization of schools and also provide for people’s well-being. American policy thus reflects research in which reforms are verified by “scientific, empirical evidences” about “what works” in experiments, and “will work” therefore in society. The book explores the idea that practical and useful knowledge changes over time, and shows how this knowledge has been (re)visioned in contemporary research on educational reform, instructional improvement, and professionalization. The study of science draws on a range of social and cultural theories and historical studies to understand the politics of science, as well as scientific knowledge that is concerned with social and educational change. Research hopes to change social conditions to create a better life, and to shape people whose conduct embodies these valued characteristics—the good citizen, parent, or worker. Yet this hope continually articulates the dangers that threaten this future. Thomas Popkewitz explores how the research to correct social wrongs is paradoxically entangled with the inscription of differences that ultimately hamper the efforts to include.

This book is a starter ′DIY′ text for practitioners who are looking to conduct evaluation studies and research as part of their own professional practice. The growing emphasis on evidence-based practice means that there is an increasing need for practitioners to have at least a basic understanding of research, be aware of methodological pitfalls and to be updated on new methods. This book provides a practical, user-friendly guide to social science research methods for professionals who have benefited from little, if any, formal research methods training but find themselves in a role that requires them to read and understand complex research findings and carry out their own research as part of their professional practice. Practical Research and Evaluation is aimed at practitioners working in education, health, social care and community work. Many in this market are non-graduates or are those whose study did not contain a research element, but are required to know how research works. This book has three main aims which will benefit this audience - to enable readers to carry out small-scale research projects of their own, provide them with the basic understanding necessary to commission research, and enable them to better understand and evaluate critically research reports. This book is designed specifically for ′Do-it-Yourself′ researchers working in the public or voluntary sectors. It is accessible and relevant to practitioners, uses non-technical language wherever possible and employs grounded examples, practical tips, checklists and readings lists throughout.

Practical Research with Children is designed to help the reader understand techniques for research with children, based on real world experience. The book describes a wide range of research methods, focusing equally on quantitative and qualitative approaches, and considers how different methods can be integrated. It highlights the benefits and challenges of each method and gives emphasis to best practice, with expert guidance on how to avoid potential pitfalls in order to obtain valuable insights into how children develop. The volume includes fifteen chapters arranged over three sections. Each chapter explores a particular method, or combination of methods, and discusses both theoretical and practical issues, using a diversity of domains, including different ages, cultures, populations and settings. Uniquely, the book includes newer methods (such as eye tracking and digital technologies) alongside well-established behavioural methods which are used for research with children. With contributions from internationally renowned researchers and practitioners from a range of disciplines, the book will be indispensable reading for a wide audience, including for students in psychology, education and nursing undertaking research projects with children, and also for anyone looking to understand the research behind current theories in child development.

Practical Research Methods in Education is a hands-on guide which critically explores and scrutinizes research methods used in educational enquiry. Drawing on the research, practical experience and reflections of active researchers, each chapter offers explanations, examples, tasks for students to undertake and suggestions for further reading, all of which are designed to strengthen understanding of practical methods of data collection in educational and social-science research. This insightful book offers: Detailed illustration of a range of data-collection methods and approaches used in educational research Chapters written by active researchers, experienced in addressing challenges of carrying out practical research in education Examples, study tasks and suggestions for further reading in each chapter An exploration of critical reflection and decision-making in relation to research methodology in education Close attention to research ethics Exploring practical methods of data-collection for educational and social-science research, Practical Research Methods in Education is a unique and valuable resource for any students interested and engaged in the planning and completion of their own investigations.