What is educational research? What are its current approaches, methods and methodologies? How should existing literature be reviewed and evaluated critically? What are the key philosophical debates in and on educational research? How should research in education be conducted and how should it be presented? And what is the value of such research?
With this extensively revised edition of a much-admired and engaging guide, Jerry Wellington provides clear and constructive answers to these questions, complete with detailed advice on methods such as interviewing, surveys, documentary research and the use of focus groups. Thoroughly overhauled and updated, this edition includes new case studies, helpful 'theory summary' boxes, and a range of activities or 'points to ponder' to foster engagement with current issues. Retaining the clarity and concision of the previous edition, and its approachable and practical style, Jerry Wellington provides an invaluable text for all those engaged in educational research.
Acknowledgements
Notes on Contributors of Case Studies
Introduction: Using This Book
Part I: Issues and Approaches
1. An Overview to Educational Research
2. Varying Approaches to Researching Education
3. Reviewing the Research Literature
4. Being Critical and Reflexive: Principles and Practice
5. The Researcher's Role and Responsibility
Part II: Methods and Their Limits
6. Interviewing
7. Case Study
8. Survey Research
9. Documentary Research and Analysis
10. Other Methods for the Researcher
Part III: Analysing, Presenting and Disseminating
11. Dealing with Qualitative Data
12. Writing and Publishing
13. What's the Use of Educational Research?
Appendices
Glossary of Terms
References and Further Reading
Index
