This text brings research alive for educators by introducing readers to people who actually do research. It is intended for instructors who emphasize teaching students how to locate, read, and interpret and apply the findings of educational research studies. The revision addresses how to design and conduct a research study in more detail.

The text includes numerous recent, published research articles involving high interest problems of educational practice. The chapters, which treat quantitative, qualitative, and applied forms of educational research, stand alone, allowing instructors to choose those they want to cover. Designed for courses focused primarily on applying, rather than conducting research, this text includes 13 actual research articles, reprinted in their entirety. The primary author of each article then offers original commentary on his/her piece. Through this format, the text presents a comprehensive explanation of the methodologies used by present day researchers, data collection challenges, and the meaning of the results. The book makes no assumptions about readers' prior knowledge of research or statistics.

This text builds students' confidence so that they are able to successfully read research reports and research. Through its clear yet scholarly treatment and numerous examples of educational research the text addresses the learning and application needs of an increasingly wider spectrum of students and practitioners in the field of education. For the first time, readerswill see the relevance of research to educational practice.

“Research is generally viewed as an ominous undertaking but this text guides the reader and helps dispel the myths associated with its implementation.”-Marylin Lisowski, Eastern Illinois University

“This text is well organized and presents the information in a manner that is highly usable for students who are learning how to apply educational research.”-Deborah J. Hendricks, West Virginia University

“This text is well written. I applaud the use of articles as part of the learning process.”-Dale I. Foreman, Shenandoah University

“This text is strong with regard to its pedagogical features. I am very pleased it the readability and content of the text.”-Arminta Jean Krows, Emporia State University

PART I: INTRODUCTION