Issue
27(1)
Methods
in Educational Research: From Theory to Practice.
(2006). M.G. Lodico, D.T.
Spaulding, and KH. Voegtle. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. 413
Pages. $ 75.00. ISBN # 0-7879-7962-7.
Review
By: Tara McNealy
Director
of Institutional Research
Joint
Military
Intelligence
College
, Defense Intelligence Agency
Methods
in Educational Research: From Theory to Practice provides
a thoughtful discussion of the importance of educational research
and focuses on far-reaching practical applications. The book is
comprised of fifteen comprehensive chapters ranging from an introduction
to educational research and identifying topics to working with
research participants and analyzing qualitative data. In addition
to examining traditional topics and methods common in educational
research, the authors provide a rich discussion of the diverse
types of approaches open to researchers. The authors also provide
helpful summaries, sample research proposals, and listings of
key concepts to aid the reader.
A
major strength of the text is its utilization of practical examples
and its focus on the qualitative and mixed methodologies commonly
utilized in advising research. The text provides practical advice
and detailed discussions on implementing research initiatives
to improve the educational environment. The chapter on Program
Evaluation is particularly helpful to advising professionals seeking
to use research data in program assessment activities.
The
authors' unique focus on the benefit of educational research is
refreshing and makes the text more of a practitioner's handbook
rather than a traditional research textbook. Of particular note,
the authors devote an entire chapter to educational researchers
who have made a difference in the lives of students and educational
institutions. The text also provides a section on college and
university settings where research has made an impact. This focus
provides inspirational evidence to practitioners who are considering
engaging in a research endeavor.
