Introduction to Research Methods in Education
- Keith F Punch - University of Western Australia, Australia
- Alis Oancea - University of Oxford, UK
Based on Keith Punch’s bestselling Introduction to Social Research Methods, this book introduces the research process in a range of educational contexts. In this updated second edition, you’ll find guidance on every stage of research, with chapters on developing research questions, doing a literature review, collecting data, analysing your findings and writing it all up.
With a new chapter on ethics and additional coverage of Internet research and mixing methods, the second edition contains everything you’ll need if you’re studying on a research methods course or doing a research project for yourself.
Introduction to Research Methods in Education provides you with:
- Balanced coverage of the range of methods employed by educational researchers
- Practical advice on collecting and analysing qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods data
- A range of examples from student projects to show how research is done in real-life educational settings
- A companion website with additional resources for lecturers and students.
Keith F Punch is Emeritus Professor in the Graduate School of Education at The University of Western Australia.
Alis Oancea is Professor of Philosophy of Education and Research Policy, as well as Director of Research at the University of Oxford, Department of Education.
While this is for research within education, there are many ways of applying this within other areas- such as ecclesiological research. The church is not just an educational agency of course but my students are researching it in many ways from leadership organisation to how the values are applied in disparate nations. Other books in the list I am growing deal with Q &Q methods but this also addresses the ethical question of work with children and the church has such and other vulnerable groups. Collection, analysis and application of data is provided in an applied way and therefore relevant to my students in a parallel manner for their own research.
While this book is geared towards Research in Education, it can be applied beyond into other specialities. The relaxation of the Qualitative and Quantitative distinctions was a breath of air as most topics need both breadth and depth. Basic concepts are explained as well as what I was looking for - the HOW TO ideas, From developing the Research Question to the analysis this helps think things through for the student who maybe thinks he knows what he is doing but should double check. Even Literature reviews are included. It is a great introduction to the world of research.
I have used this book and its examples of developing research projects with Level 6 students during 2014 - 2015. The step by step examples have proved useful case studies and provide helpful templates for students who are planning their own small -scale research projects.
I teach on several modules at undergraduate and masters level. All my students are work-based distance learners who carry out small scale research within their work context.
I will recommend this as a key general text. It is attractive, relevant and up-to-date with plenty of useful examples and links. In places the style is a little heavy for second year undergraduates.
The links to real research articles are most useful, and the chapter on Ethics is particularly good.
I would have welcomed the inclusion of collaborative research and the discussion of informal methods such as “nominal group technique” and “traffic lights” that can be a starting point for more detailed methods.
Sample instruments eg observation protocols, interview schedules, questionnaires could have been added into an appendix.
The layout and presentation are attractive, especially learning objectives, , summary, key terms, further reading and exercises and study questions for each chapter.
The text is clean and legible (except for the rather thin paper, the occasional use of black on dark green eg Fig 1.1, and the bold header which is hard to read.
It is good to add a website. However, the choice of topics for students is disappointing as they all relate to quantitative methods. I have been unable to access the instructor resources.
Looking for a more student friendly textbook.
It is a highly comprehensive and solid methodology book, solidly grounded in wide range of classical and contemporary meteorologists works in social science. Structure and content of the book is very clear and highly informative. Rich collection of further readings are very useful for researchers and research students. I would highly recommend this book.
A very useful, up to date reference book. All of the main issues in ed. research are covered effectively. Diagrams, tables and case study boxes are very useful and clearly laid out. Examples of references in specific areas are also useful. The reference list at the end is extensive.
Written in a way which is understandable. logical structure with useful examples and summaries.
This book provides a thorough grounding in research methods in educational settings. I would recommend it for Master's, EdD and PhD levels, though undergrads would find some chapters useful too. The questions at the end of each chapter are well thought out and class discussions could well be built on them. The teacher’s notes and Powerpoints will be extremely useful materials for anyone building a research methods course. The style throughout is readable and the advice is practical.
a good supplement for our research methods course
