Research and Evaluation in Education and Psychology: Integrating Diversity with Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods

Review
“At last a research and evaluation “how to text” that speaks to the epistemological and practical questions on how to use this tool to improve conditions for society’s marginalized groups.”


Review
"Focused on providing as full a picture as possible of what is considered 'good' research, Mertens explains quantitative and qualitative methods and incorporates the viewpoints of various research paradigms into the descriptions of these methods. As an added plus, she includes a sample study and abstract in each chapter to illustrate the concepts discussed in that chapter."


Book Description
“At last a research and evaluation 'how to text' that speaks to the epistemological and practical questions of how to use this tool to improve conditions for society’s marginalized groups.”--Ricardo Millett, President and CEO, Woods Fund This new edition of Research and Evaluation in Education and Psychology continues and expands upon the approach that made the first edition an international bestseller. Author Donna Mertens explains quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods, and incorporates the viewpoints of various research paradigms into descriptions of these methods. The work covers four major paradigms: postpositivist, constructivist, transformative, and pragmatic. Special emphasis is provided for conducting research in culturally complex communities, based on the perspectives of feminists, ethnic/racial minorities, and people with disabilities. Each chapter carefully explains a step of the research process from literature review to analysis and reporting. Additionally, sample studies and abstracts are included in each chapter to illustrate the concepts discussed in that section of the book. Now in its Second Edition, Research and Evaluation in Education and Psychology: Integrating Diversity with Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods is perfect as a core text for research courses in departments of education, psychology, and sociology, as well as social work and other human services disciplines. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other texts focusing on specific methodologies. New to the Second Edition * Analysis of methodological advances in conducting research in culturally complex communities* Coverage of electronic resources now available to researchers and evaluators* Additional emphasis on program evaluation* New chapter on mixed methods research Key Features * Chapters begin with an outline of the main ideas covered* Summaries of specific research studies provide context for discussion throughout* Step-by-step processes assist those conducting research and evaluations* Perspectives and controversies from major research paradigms bring theories to life* Questions for critical analysis in each chapter help students plan their own research* Chapters end with questions and activities for students to put knowledge into practice* Appendix includes an outline for the preparation of a research proposal, ideal for those working on a thesis or dissertation Praise for the First Edition“This informative volume is something of a page-turner. It is an insightful way of looking at research, and viewing its outcomes should force researchers to reflect on their assumptions about reality and their research methodology. This book should be read by everyone doing serious social research that affects people’s lives."—J.F. Biter , St. Bonaventure University


Buy from Amazon     Compare Prices

Mertens (educational foundations and research, Gallaudet U.) emphasizes the importance of maintaining a diversity of research paradigms and recognizing the implications of choice based on research methodology assumptions in her introduction to conducting psychological and educational research. She constructs her text according to the logic of conducting a study, first explaining the major research paradigms and their assumptions before moving on to advice on conducting a literature review; judging between qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies; defining and selecting samples; judging the quality of data; and different choices for data analysis. Rather than provide a separate chapter on ethics, ethical considerations have been integrated throughout the chapters. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR


Buy from Barnes & Noble     Compare Prices