Essentials of Research Methods in Education

Scott Buckler has been involved in education since the 1990s, fluctuating between primary teaching, secondary teaching (science, computing, psychology), and universities (education, sport, psychology). From teaching research methods across the expanse of education (from the primary years through to doctorates), Scott has been an advocate of high quality research, through facilitating an open mind while maintaining academic integrity. His research has encompassed many areas, often with the theme of personal and professional growth, through the lens of transpersonal psychology. His PhD thesis was interdisciplinary, combining anthropology and psychology to explore the way that the martial arts lead to personal transformation. Professionally, Scott’s research is predominantly in applied educational psychology, inclusive education, and research methods. Scott is a Chartered Teacher and Chartered Psychologist.Harriett Moore has a varied background within the field of both education and research.  She studied animal behaviour at University College Chester (a college of Liverpool University) where she engaged with a wide selection of research methodologies, from observational approaches to applied research in a range of contexts. Her skills have transferred effectively into analysing human behaviour.Harriett has been involved with education since the mid-2000s as a secondary teacher, IT Operations Manager, among other roles. Throughout her career, Harriett has engaged with applied research to help facilitate change and to inform a variety of audiences, continually challenging perspectives in the limitations of what people think is possible, and what can actually be achieved.Harriett currently manages the school’s Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and is a firm believer that education is much more than classroom based learning, rather requiring a “whole-person centred” approach. Her current research projects include teacher wellbeing, martial arts within the school setting, and student/staff perceptions on elearning.

Education research methods can be scary and confusing. This useful text looks set to provide a focused yet very accessible introduction – providing useable practical guidance while also addressing the complexity. It should be an asset for both academics and practitioner researchers.

• Section 1: Introduction To Educational ResearchChapter 1: IntroductionChapter 2: Perspectives And PhilosophyChapter 3: Sociocultural ContextChapter 4: Research Design StagesSection 2: Initial ConsiderationsChapter 5: Literature ReviewChapter 6: Research DesignsChapter 7: EthicsChapter 8: Specifying Your Research FocusSection 3: Methodological Considerations, Methods, And AnalysisChapter 9: Quantitative Considerations And MethodsChapter 10: Qualitative Considerations And MethodsChapter 11: Mixed Methodologies And Mixed ApproachesChapter 12: Quantitative Analysis And PresentationChapter 13: Qualitative Analysis And PresentationSection 4: Engaging With Your Own ResearchChapter 14: Structuring The ResearchChapter 15: A Return To The Beginning