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Research Methods for Education
Second Edition
- Sandra L. Dika - The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Lynn Ahlgrim-Delzell - The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Gregory J. Privitera - St. Bonaventure University
Other Titles in:
Educational Research Methods
Educational Research Methods
March 2026 | 700 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
Research Methods for Education, Second Edition employs a conversational tone to frame research as a logical, step-by-step process of making research decisions. Helping students translate their complex educational research questions into a plan for a research project, the text focuses on applying scientific methods in real-world educational contexts. Authors Sandra L. Dika, Lynn Ahlgrim-Delzell, and Gregory J. Privitera show how methods and analysis work together to create credible, reliable, and valid quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods educational research. Chapters logically follow the research design and analysis process as in the first edition, with a focus on ethics, measurement, literature reviews, and participant selection before moving through various research designs, including nonexperimental, quasi-experimental, experimental, qualitative, and mixed methods. Significant updates include a restructured table of contents with more emphasis on quasi-experimental research and single-case designs and more logical flow of content. New sections on validity incorporate national standards, while more clarification of qualitative and mixed methods designs helps students better understand these approaches. Throughout, new educational examples and data have been added, as well as updates for the APA 7th edition guidelines.
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Chapter 1: Introduction to Scientific Thinking and the Science of Education
Chapter 2: Research Ethics
Chapter 3: Scientific Variables, Measurement, and Instrumentation
Chapter 4: Sampling From Populations
Chapter 5: Choosing a Research Design
Chapter 6: Naturalistic and Existing Data Research Designs
Chapter 7 : Survey and Correlational Research Designs
Chapter 8: Introduction to Qualitative Research
Chapter 9: Phenomenology, Ethnography, and Grounded Theory Designs
Chapter 10: Narrative Inquiry, Case Study, and Critical Theory Designs
Chapter 11: Quasi-Experimental Designs
Chapter 12: Single-Case Experimental Designs
Chapter 13: Group Experimental Designs: Between Subjects, Within Subjects, and Factorial
Chapter 14: Mixed Methods Research Designs
Chapter 15: Action Research
Chapter 16: Program Evaluation
Chapter 17: Analysis and Interpretation: Exposition of Data
Chapter 18: Analysis and Interpretation: Making Inferences about Data
Chapter 19: Analysis and Interpretation: Making Inferences About Qualitative Data
Chapter 20: Communicating Research: Preparing Manuscripts, Posters, and Talks
Appendix A: APA-Style Writing, Sample Manuscript, and Posters
Appendix B: Instructions for Randomizing and Counterbalancing
References
Index
Comprehensive, easy to understand, covers a broad variety of topics.
New Mexico State University
The strength of [this] book lies in its extensive coverage of a wide range of research designs, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques relevant to educational research. It expertly guides students through quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches, equipping them with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of educational research. The inclusion of real-world examples and case studies further enhances the students' understanding of the application of research methods in educational settings. [T]he book is written in a clear and accessible manner.
Bloomfield College
Has detailed information on various topics so that I can use with either my master's or doctoral students.
Virginia State University
This text provides a comprehensive and detailed introduction and overview to qualitative methodologies, methods of data collection and analysis, and guidelines for rigorous and ethical conduct of qualitative inquiry, all through a critical theoretical lens.
DePaul University
Privitera and Ahlgrim-Delzell have masterfully approached educational research methods in the way this discipline deserves: through a problem-focused paradigm that outlines the process students will follow in deciding how to tackle the thorny problems of our beloved profession. As a current K-12 practitioner with a doctorate in higher education administration who has taught graduate-level research methods for the past 15 years, I strongly recommend this text. It's readable, problem-focused, accessible, and edifying.
Cornerstone and Liberty University
Privitera concisely and simply addresses the research process and gives students the ability to understand the basic research strategies.
Southern Nazarene University
Provides great examples throughout and conceptually pushes students to think about research methods in terms of what they read and what they do.
California State University, Monterey Bay
Pre-revision review
This text provides a broad overview and introduction to research methods and processes for teacher researchers. It allows the reader
to understand the options of how to move forward with their research project in education.
Aquinas College
Pre-revision review
A well-organized, articulate, and engaging introduction to the principles of educational research.
Northern Arizona University
Pre-revision review
The book offers clear, applicable examples and discussions for important lessons in research. It is formatted for readability and engagement. Students would find the text boxes and prompts encouraging as they work to understand new concepts and processes.
Northeastern State University
Pre-revision review
