This edition contains new material on the twelve steps for doing different types of research studies, a new chapter on the utilization of research, and expanded coverage of qualitative research topics. The authors presume no special background in research, and begin by introducing and framing the notion of reading research within a wider social context. Next they offer insight on when to seek out research, locating and selecting the right reports, and how to help evaluate research for trustworthiness. A step-by-step reading of reports from qualitative and quantitative studies follows, and the final chapters examine in greater detail the different types of research to be encountered and how to examine the research more critically.

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgments Introduction: Why This Book? Problems With Reports Problems With Research Summary The Research Report Finding Valuables in Research Reports What Is a Research Report? When to Believe What You Read: The Sources of Credibility Who Does Research and Where Do They Do It? Believing What You Read in Research: The Foundations of Trust Reasons to Suspend Trust in Research Summary How to Select and Read Research Reports Getting Started: Selecting Research Reports How to Read Research Reports Staying Organized: Studying and Recording What You Read Reading and Recording From Quantitative Research Reports Reading and Recording From Qualitative Research Reports Reading and Recording From Research Reviews Explaining Research: A Tool for Learning How to Read Reports Types of Research: An Overview Generic Issues in Research Types of Research Qualitative Research Concluding Comments About Types of Research Reading Reports of Quantitative Research-Critically Introduction: The Five Basic Questions What Is the Report About? How Does the Study Fit Into What Is Already Known? How Was the Study Done? What Was Found? What Do the Results Mean? Reading Reports of Qualitative Research-Critically Expectations for Qualitative Reports: The Generic and General Standards Expectations for Qualitative Reports: The Specific and Individual Standards Expectations for Qualitative Studies: A Critical Look Behind the Report Concluding Remarks Appendix A: Annotated Bibliography of Supplementary References Appendix B: Examples of Completed 12 Step Forms and Flowcharts Appendix C: Statistics: A Beginner's Guide References Index About the Authors