For courses in Research Methods/Educational Research. This market-leading text offers all the skills and procedures students need to become competent consumers and producers of educational research. It uses a direct, step-by-step approach to the topic, while placing a strong emphasis on evaluation of student performance. The accessible writing style and light, humorous tone demystify this demanding course. This comprehensive instructional resource encompasses the full spectrum of the field, making it appropriate as a core text for an introductory course in educational research.Table of Contents: I. INTRODUCTION. 1. Introduction to Educational Research. II. RESEARCH PROBLEMS. 2. Selection and Definition of a Problem. III. RESEARCH PLANS. 3. Preparation and Evaluation of a Research Plan. IV. RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS: SAMPLES 4. Selection of a Sample. V. INSTRUMENTS. 5. Selection of Measuring Instruments. VI. TYPES OF RESEARCH. 6. Qualitative Research: Data Collection. 7. Qualitative Research: Data Analysis. 8. Descriptive Research. 9. Correlational Research. 10. Causal-Comparative Research. 11. Experimental Research. VII. DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION, OR ... THE WORD IS “STATISTICS,” NOT “SADISTICS”. 12. Descriptive Statistics. 13. Inferential Statistics. 14. Postanalysis Considerations. VIII. RESEARCH REPORTS. 15. Preparation of a Research Report. IX. RESEARCH CRITIQUES. 16. Evaluation of a Research Report. X. ACTION RESEARCH IN THE SCHOOLS. 17. Research in the Schools