Research and Evaluation in Education and Psychology

553 Pages·2009·9.69 MB·English

Copyright © 2010 by SAGE Publications, Inc.
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Mertens, Donna M.
Research and evaluation in education and psychology : integrating diversity with quantitative,
qualitative, and mixed methods / Donna M. Mertens. -- 3rd ed.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-4129-7190-4 (pbk.)
1. Education--Research--Methodology. 2. Psychology--Research--Methodology.
I. Title.
LB1028.M3964 2010
370.7′2—dc22 2009010779
This book is printed on acid-free paper.
09 10 11 12 13 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
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Brief Contents
Preface xvii
Chapter 1. An Introduction to Research 1
Chapter 2. Evaluation 47
Chapter 3. Literature Review and Focusing the Research 89
Chapter 4. Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Research 123
Chapter 5. Causal Comparative and Correlational Research 151
Chapter 6. Survey Methods 173
Chapter 7. Single-Case Research 207
Chapter 8. Qualitative Methods 225
Chapter 9. History and Narrative Study of Lives 267
Chapter 10. Mixed Methods Research 293
Chapter 11. Sampling 309
Chapter 12. Data Collection 351
Chapter 13. Data Analysis, Interpretation, and Use 403
Appendix 451
References 457
Author Index 491
Subject Index 503

Detailed Contents
Preface xvii
About the Author xxiii
Chapter 1. An Introduction to Research 1
Why Bother? 1
What Is Research? 2
Research Terminology 3
Approach Taken in This Book 5
Major Paradigms in Research: A Brief History of Research 7
Postpositivism 10
Axiology 12
Ontology 14
Epistemology 15
Methodology 15
Constructivist Paradigm 16
Axiology 16
Ontology 18
Epistemology 19
Methodology 19
Transformative Paradigm 21
Why Did the Transformative Paradigm Emerge? 21
Philosophical and Theoretical Basis 25
Axiology 29
Ontology 32
Epistemology 32
Methodology 33
Validity From a Transformative Perspective:
A Methodological Issue 34
Pragmatic Paradigm 35
Axiology 36
Ontology 36
Epistemology 38
Methodology 38
Politics, Legislation, and the Paradigms 39
Why Is the Methodology of Research a Political Issue? 39
Professional Organizations’ Response to NCLB 40
Contested Territory: Quality, Causality, and Objectivity 42
Merging Paradigms 43
Summary of Chapter 1: An Introduction to Research 44
Chapter 2. Evaluation 47
Defining Evaluation 47
Distinguishing Research and Evaluation 53
History and Models of Evaluation 54
Postpositivist Paradigm 56
Constructivist Paradigm 59
Transformative Paradigm 59
Pragmatic Evaluation Approaches 65
Resources and Processes for Conducting Evaluations 66
Evaluation Resources 66
Books and Monographs 66
Online Resources 67
Evaluation Journals 68
Professional Associations 68
Steps in Planning an Evaluation 68
Focusing Stage 69
Evaluation Questions 75
Selection of an Evaluation Model 77
Planning the Evaluation 77
Management of the Evaluation 78
Standards for Critically Evaluating Evaluations 79
Ethics and Evaluation: The Guiding Principles 83
Questions for Critically Analyzing Evaluation Studies 84
Feasibility 84
Propriety 84
Accuracy 85
Utility 85
Metaevaluation 86
Interpersonal Validity 86
Consequential Validity 86
Multicultural Validity 86
Summary of Chapter 2: Evaluation 87
Chapter 3. Literature Review and Focusing the Research 89
Reasons for Doing Literature Reviews 90
Literature Reviews for Planning Primary Research 90
Review of Literature as an End in Itself 91
The Search Process 93
Step 1: Identify Research Topic 94
Sources of Research Topics 94
Step 2: Review Secondary Sources to Get an Overview 96
Step 3: Develop a Search Strategy 97
Identify Preliminary Sources 97
Identify Primary Research Journals 101
Personal Networking 102
Involvement of Community Members 104