Essentials of Research Methods for Educators provides future teachers, specialists, administrators and educational leaders with a textbook and a resource that goes beyond the classroom to use in your career. With a focus on the wide variety of data available to educators and the importance of data literacy for all those involved in education, this book presents research methods in a relatable educational context with a variety of concrete examples. The authors use their expertise in educational psychology to optimize learning. The structure of the book breaks down research into discrete steps with the "Let's See It," "Let's Do It," and "You Do It" steps for each chapter so students feel motivated to complete their research projects. By covering qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research, with additional chapters on action research and program evaluation, students get a complete picture of the current research methods landscape. This highly scaffolded book supports future educational leaders in incorporating research and methods into their work and life.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Introduction to Research The Importance of Educational Research Research as a Scientific Method Basic Research Versus Applied Research Ways in Which Educators Can Become Reflective Educator-Researchers Key Logistical Factors and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Considerations in Conducting Research Ethical Considerations A Look Ahead: Organization of This Book Chapter 2: Reviewing the Literature Critical Issues in the Workplace The Purpose of a Literature Review Conduct a Literature Review Synthesize Research Formulate Research Problems or Questions Ethical Considerations American Psychological Association Style Chapter 3: Research Design: The What, When, and How of Research Introduction to Research Methodology and Design Comparison of Quantitative and Qualitative Methodologies Diversity of Research Designs Across Methodologies Making Decisions About Research Methodology and Design Cross-Cutting Themes for Research Methodology and Design Ethical Considerations American Psychological Association Style Chapter 4: Non-Experimental Research Designs Using Non-experimental Designs Descriptive Designs Correlational Designs Comparative Designs Ethical Considerations American Psychological Association Style Chapter 5: Experimental Research Designs Deepening Knowledge About Threats to Internal Validity Internal Validity Within Experimental Designs Pre-Experimental Designs True Experimental Designs Quasi-Experimental Designs Single-Participant Designs Ethical Considerations American Psychological Association Style Chapter 6: Qualitative Research Designs What Is Qualitative Research? The Dynamic Nature of Qualitative Research Types, Purposes, and Features of Qualitative Research Designs The Qualitative Research Process Ethical Considerations American Psychological Association Style Chapter 7: Mixed Methods Research Designs Mixed Methods Research Commonly Used Mixed Methods Research Designs Development of a Mixed Methods Design Study Making Sense of the Findings From Mixed Methods Research Ethical Considerations American Psychological Association Style Chapter 8: Action Research for Educators What Is Action Research? Action Research and Other Research Methods Rationale for Conducting Action Research for Work-Related Problems Practical and Participatory Action Research The Cycle of Action Research Ethical Considerations American Psychological Association Style Chapter 9: Program Evaluation Characteristics of Program Evaluation Research Studies and Program Evaluations Elements of Program Theory and Logic Models Types and Purposes of Program Evaluations Engaging in a Program Evaluation Ethical Considerations American Psychological Association Style Chapter 10: Sampling and Measurement Learning Objectives Sampling-Related Terminology Probability and Non-probability Sampling Techniques Sampling Across Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed Methods, and Action Research Measurement and Measurement Error in Research Levels of Measurement Types of Validity in Measurement Types of Reliability in Measurement Chapter 11: Data Collection Intersection of Data Collection Instruments and Sources Quantitative Data Collection Instruments Used in Educational Settings Qualitative Data Collection Instruments Used in Educational Settings Selecting Data Collection Instruments Chapter 12: Descriptive Statistics Key Components and Nature of Datasets Purpose and Importance of Descriptive Statistics Examining Distribution of Scores for a Variable Central Tendency: Identifying the Most Typical or Representative Score of a Distribution Measures of Variability Among Scores in a Distribution Metrics to Capture the Relative Standing of Individuals From a Larger Group Examining the Correlation Among Variables in a Dataset Chapter 13: Inferential Statistics The Purpose of Inferential Statistics Measures of Variability Probability and Statistical Significance Hypothesis Testing and Statistical Significance Various Inferential Tests Chapter 14: Qualitative Analysis The Researcher as the Instrument in Qualitative Research Strategies for Developing Codes in Qualitative Data Strategies for Building Themes in Qualitative Data Comparison of Data Analysis Principles Across Research Design Chapter 15: Communicating Research The Importance of Communicating Research Approaches to Written and Oral Communication of Research Key Considerations When Communicating Research The Role of Self-Regulated Learning in the Communication of Research Chapter 16: Using Research to Guide Practice Connecting Research With Practice Evaluating the Quality of Research Uses of Research for Teachers Uses of Research for Administrators Uses of Research for the Community and Policymakers Using Research to Impact Higher Education Programs and Professional and Personal Growth Applying Research Findings to Practice Using the Cycle of Self-Regulated Learning