Educational Research

How do we get at the meanings of everyday (and not so everyday) objects, and how might these meanings enrich educational research? The study of objects is well established in fields such as archaeology, art history, communications, fine arts, museum studies, and sociology—but is still developing in education.

As part of their research activities, researchers in all areas of education develop measuring instruments, design and conduct experiments and surveys, and analyze data resulting from these activities. Educational research has a strong tradition of employing state-of-the-art statistical and psychometric (psychological measurement) techniques. Commonly referred to as quantitative methods, these techniques cover a range of statistical tests and tools. Quantitative research is essentially about collecting numerical data to explain a particular phenomenon of interest.

by Susan Rodrigues (Author)

Editors: Smeyers, Paul, Depaepe, Marc (Eds.)
Challenges prevailing ideas about the “application” of philosophy and history of education
Demonstrates in a unique way how philosophical and historical approaches are relevant for the practice and theory of education and for educational research
Debates the historical and philosophical complexities and constraints concerning discourses of change and the change of discourse in the educational field

Assuming no prior knowledge, Educational Research: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Approaches, Fifth Edition, by Burke Johnson and Larry Christensen, gives upper-level undergraduate and graduate students an understanding of the multiple research methods and strategies―including qualitative, quantitative, and action research, as well as mixed methods inquiry―used in education and related fields.