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Essentials of Research Methods in Education
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Essentials of Research Methods in Education



March 2023 | 440 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
This book provides a comprehensive overview of research methods, supported by examples from a range of educational fields, along with pragmatic advice and guidance on how to undertake educational research. 

Using the concept of research as a ‘quest’, this book takes you on a journey from planning stages, through data collection to analysis, to writing up your findings, at each stage exploring the principles and practice that can support your own educational research projects. 

Academic understanding is combined with practical commentary to show how conceptual ideas are used in practice. Case studies throughout the book highlight the power of educational research to shine a light on important social issues.

This is essential reading for students on all education courses that include a research methods module or project.

Scott Buckler PhD is an independent academic, Chartered Teacher and Chartered Psychologist.
Harriett Moore is a school-based practitioner with a broad background in research.
 
Section 1: Introduction To Educational Research
 
Chapter 1: Introduction
 
Chapter 2: Perspectives And Philosophy
 
Chapter 3: Sociocultural Context
 
Chapter 4: Research Design Stages
 
Section 2: Initial Considerations
 
Chapter 5: Literature Review
 
Chapter 6: Research Designs
 
Chapter 7: Ethics
 
Chapter 8: Specifying Your Research Focus
 
Section 3: Methodological Considerations, Methods, And Analysis
 
Chapter 9: Quantitative Considerations And Methods
 
Chapter 10: Qualitative Considerations And Methods
 
Chapter 11: Mixed Methodologies And Mixed Approaches
 
Chapter 12: Quantitative Analysis And Presentation
 
Chapter 13: Qualitative Analysis And Presentation
 
Section 4: Engaging With Your Own Research
 
Chapter 14: Structuring The Research
 
Chapter 15: A Return To The Beginning

Education research methods can be scary and confusing. This useful text looks set to provide a focused yet very accessible introduction – providing useable practical guidance while also addressing the complexity. It should be an asset for both academics and practitioner researchers.

Professor Samantha Twisleton, PhD, OBE
Director of the Sheffield Institute of Education, Sheffield Hallam University, Chair of the DfE Core Content Framework for ITT advisory group

This is the text that students have been waiting for. It is comprehensive, reader friendly, and interdisciplinary. The authors frame research as a quest for the truth, and provide specific stages and procedures to assist this search.

Professor Stanley Krippner, PhD
Distinguished Affiliated Faculty, California Institute of Integral Studies

Honest, informed and practical, Essentials of Research Methods in Education lives up to the promise of its title; offering the reader the essentials of educational enquiry. Beginning with a timely reminder that Education and research are fundamentally inseparable, the authors offer a fulsome and engaging tour of the field, highlighting the controversies, possibilities and satisfaction in undertaking educational research for meaningful change. While conscious of not simply adding to an already crowded field of research literature, Buckler and Moore offer a refreshingly contemporary angle on doing educational research, making this a distinctively important addition to the literature of the intending educational researcher at any level of study.

Dave Trotman, PhD
Former Professor of Education, Newman University

This book is very accessible for researchers at all levels and skills.  The thorough way in which the authors have approached the challenges of Research Methods will support the development of all projects.  It is an essential read.

Pinky Jain, PhD
Head of Teacher Education, Carnegie School of Education, Leeds Beckett University

This book is written by authors well versed in the challenges of research and it shows the moment you start to read it. The text is clear and to the point with some nice touches of humour. Layout is extremely clear making the book easy to follow and to dip into, and has very useful sections such as “lessons learned the hard way” in each chapter. It also manages to share the energy and enthusiasm for research and its transformational ability.

The “Holy Grail” of textbooks on educational research is one which combines a clear relatively simple approach which will not frighten beginners and yet which offers the depth and detail required by so much research. Here Scott and Harriett have come very close to reaching that “Holy Grail” status with this book. It is an excellent, clear introduction to research which avoids some of the stodginess of older texts, yet provides the necessary depth and detail which students need.

David Flint
Associate Dean of Education, Newman University

Buckler and Moore have written a highly accessible book on educational research methods. On reading the book, I felt like I was being taken on a journey of discovery in the hands of friendly, knowledgeable, and trustworthy guides. The book is exceptional in raising contemporary issues in depth whilst never leaving the reader adrift among complex details. Those embarking on research will be well rewarded by engaging with the challenges the authors set and following their guidelines for approaching their own research questions effectively.

Les Lancaster, PhD
Professor Emeritus of Transpersonal Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University and Director, the Alef Trust

'This book deals honestly and clearly with the myriad of ideas that students come across when they begin educational research. It is a 'dip in' book in which students can clarify the concepts they come across in other books and in lectures. Recommended to everyone from undergraduate to doctoral level.'

Dennis Hayes, PhD
Professor of Education, University of Derby

This text provides an accessible, detailed, practical, and holistic exploration of research methods in education. It furnishes the reader with a clear account of the philosophical and socio-cultural foundations of research whilst also providing helpful insights into the journey from research design to dissemination of findings. This will be an invaluable resource for both student researchers and others involved in the field of educational research.  

Stephen Griffin, Ed.D.
Co-Leader MA Education, Birmingham City University

This book provides a richly comprehensive guide to conducting educational research.  The reader is supported in building a deep understanding that offers greater insight and avoids the ‘myth and mystery’ so often associated with the research process.  Throughout, an illustrative quest allegory entertains and enlightens the reader without distracting from the rigour of the central purpose. For more experienced researchers Buckler & Moore succeed in making the familiar strange.  Thoroughly recommended. 

Dame Alison Peacock
DL Chief Executive, Chartered College of Teaching

"I have recently read this book and used it extensively to support my Research Modules for my Masters level study. It was recommended as part of my course and is definitely worth taking the time to digest it! The way the book is written is engaging and supportive and is also sequenced in a way that helps when writing.

The book has really helped me with my research project for my MA education and will definitely be my “go to guide” moving forward!"

Gary
Student at Newman University

Sample Materials & Chapters

Sample Chapter - Introduction

Sample Chapter


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