Author: Donna M. Mertens

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 553

ISBN-13: 141297190X

Focused on fully discussing what is considered to be "good" research, Research and Evaluation in Education and Psychology explains quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods, and incorporates the viewpoints of various research paradigms into its descriptions of these methods. The work covers four major paradigms: postpositivist, constructivist, transformative, and pragmatic. Special emphasis is provided on conducting research in culturally complex communities, based on the perspectives of feminists, ethnic/racial minorities, and people with disabilities. In each chapter, Donna M. Mertens carefully explains a step of the research process, from the literature review to analysis and reporting. Additionally, she includes a sample study and abstract in each chapter to illustrate the concepts discussed in that section of the book. Now in its third edition, Research and Evaluation in Education and Psychology is perfect as a core text for research courses in departments of education, psychology, and sociology, as well as social work and other human services disciplines. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other texts focusing on specific methodologies. Key Features Explains quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods in detail Covers four major paradigms: Postpositivist, constructivist, transformative, and pragmatic Emphasizes conducting research in culturally complex communities, based on the perspectives of feminist, ethnic/racial minorities, and people with disabilities Offers a step-by-step overview of the research process from literature review to analysis and reporting Presents sample studies and abstracts in each chapter to illustrate concepts New to this Edition Accompanied with a Student Web site with links to flashcards, mini-cases, and SAGE journal articles Produced in an attractive 2-color format Includes thoroughly updated examples and references to current developments in research methods, evaluation and cultural issues throughout the text Presents more details on mixed methods design Incorporates the third edition of the Program Evaluation Standards Presents universal design principles in data collection Offers more examples throughout the text Provides more ideas on how to write a literature review and to plan a dissertation Contains more pedagogy including "Extending Your Thinking" added throughout Gives additional depth to the pragmatic paradigm presented in Chapter 1