Introduction to Educational Research

Fourth Edition

Craig A. Mertler - Barry University, USA

Courses:
Research Methods in Education

January 2025 | 400 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

The fourth edition of Introduction to Educational Research by Craig A. Mertler guides readers through the steps of the research process to help them plan and execute research projects in educational settings. With balanced coverage of qualitative and quantitative methods, an emphasis on ethics, and concrete applications of methods, this text offers a practical presentation of the research process. New to the fourth edition are more information on interviews throughout the book, expanded coverage of qualitative research, and a thoroughly updated chapter on action research. Three current research articles are included as appendices to demonstrate qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. Comprehensive and student-friendly, Introduction to Educational Research uses conversational and nontechnical language to help students clearly understand and apply research concepts, principles, procedures, and terminology.

Available Formats

ISBN: 9781071903155	Paperback	Suggested Retail Price: $151.00	Bookstore Price: $120.80
ISBN: 9781071903179	Electronic Version	Suggested Retail Price: $101.00	Bookstore Price: $80.80
ISBN: 9781071903209	Loose-leaf	Suggested Retail Price: $121.00	Bookstore Price: $96.80

See what’s new to this edition by selecting the Features tab on this page. Should you need additional information or have questions regarding the HEOA information provided for this title, including what is new to this edition, please email sageheoa@sagepub.com. Please include your name, contact information, and the name of the title for which you would like more information. For information on the HEOA, please go to http://ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html.

For assistance with your order: Please email us at textsales@sagepub.com or connect with your SAGE representative.

SAGE
2455 Teller Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
www.sagepub.com

Preface

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Initial Research Considerations

What is Educational Research?

Overview of the Educational Research Process

Identifying a Research Problem

Ethics in Educational Research

Reviewing Related Research Literature

Designing a Research Study

Qualitative Research Methods

Quantitative Research Methods

Mixed-Methods Research

Action Research

Writing a Research Proposal

Collecting and Analyzing Data

Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis

Quantitative Data Collection

Quantitative Data Analysis

The Research Report

Writing a Final Research Report

Appendix A: Should I Stay or Should I Go? Understanding Teacher Motivation, Job Satisfaction, and Perceptions of Retention Among Arizona Teachers

Appendix B: Undocumented and College-Bound: A Case Study of the Supports and Barriers High School Students Encounter in Accessing Higher Education

Appendix C: The Impact of Book Reading in the Early Years on Parent–Child Language Interaction

Glossary

References

Index

Supplements

Instructor Resources
Instructor Resource Site
Online resources included with this text

The online resources for your text are available via the password-protected Instructor Resource Site, which offers access to all text-specific resources, including a test bank and editable, chapter-specific PowerPoint® slides.

For additional information, custom options, or to request a personalized walkthrough of these resources, please contact your sales representative.

A foundational text for educational researchers

Jeffrey Hunt, Ed.D

Fresno Pacific University

The book covers the basics of research in education and is simplified in a way that is easy for students to follow.

Julie K. Jhun

California State University Dominguez Hills

This is a well-written text which provides good quality examples which makes it more user-friendly.

Robert Ceglie

University of Charlotte

Key features

NEW TO THIS EDITION:

More in-depth coverage of choosing a research topic, refining research questions, and conducting literature reviews gives students a solid grounding in the research process.
New and expanded coverage of interviews throughout the book, but especially in Chapter 2: Overview of the Educational Research Process and Chapter 11: Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis, better prepare readers to successfully plan and conduct interviews.
An expanded chapter on qualitative data collection and analysis more thoroughly cover these important approaches to research.
More coverage of mixed methods data analysis and interpretation better prepare students to execute mixed methods research studies.
A thoroughly revised chapter on action research includes new discussions of problems of practice in action research and using action research as a means to pursue organizational change, as well as examples of action research conducted during the pandemic.
Better alignment between learning objectives and sections in the book help readers navigate through the text more easily.

KEY FEATURES:

Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) list the four to eight major targeted learning objectives for that chapter and are ideal for review.
Chapter-ending Developmental Activities give students opportunities to apply concepts and skills and can be used as course assignments, in-class activities, and discussions.
Chapter Summaries listed in bullet-point format provide focused reviews of chapter content.
Research articles in appendices to demonstrate qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods and include annotations that highlight different parts of the research process.
A glossary of more than 350 terms—highlighted in boldface when first introduced—offers access to one of the most comprehensive glossaries presented in any educational research textbook.

You are here

Introduction to Educational Research

Supplements

Sage College Publishing

Related Products