Foundations of Education Research: Understanding Theoretical Components

201 Pages·2013·1.978 MB·English

by  Joy Egbert, Sherry Sanden

FOUNDATIONS OF
EDUCATION RESEARCH
Th e theoretical components of research are some of the most com-
plicated and challenging aspects for new researchers to understand.
While relevant methodologies are routinely covered by textbooks, the
theory behind the practice can remain unnecessarily opaque. In seven
concise chapters Foundations of Education Research defi nes, discuss-
es, and presents applications for the central components of research
in order to provide researchers with a common ground from which
to work. Including conceptual framework, epistemology, paradigm,
theory, theoretical framework, and methodology/method, this book
gives students the tools they need to understand existing education
research literature and to produce theoretically grounded work of
their own.
Beginning each chapter with perspectives from both novice and ex-
perienced researchers, this book is designed to help students achieve
a deeper understanding of what is expected of them and ideas about
how to achieve it. Guiding questions from both perspectives can assist
researchers who are engaging with theory for the fi rst time and those
looking to improve their understanding of the fundamentals. Practice
exercises and suggested reading lists at the end of each chapter off er
students resources they can apply to their own research and think-
ing in concrete ways. A perfect accompaniment to standard research
courses, this primer demystifi es the jargon of education research in
practical terms.
Joy Egbert is Professor of Education at Washington State University,
Pullman, USA.
Sherry Sanden is Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Literacy at
Illinois State University, USA.
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FOUNDATIONS OF
EDUCATION RESEARCH
UNDERSTANDING
THEORETICAL
COMPONENTS
JJOOYY EEGGBBEERRTT
AANNDD
SSHHEERRRRYY SSAANNDDEENN
Routledge
Taylor & Francis Croup
NEW YORK AND LONDON
First published 2014
by Routledge
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Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business
© 2014 Taylor & Francis
Th e right of Joy Egbert and Sherry Sanden to be identifi ed as authors of this work
has been asserted by them in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright,
Designs and Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in
any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereaft er
invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or
retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.
Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trade-
marks, and are used only for identifi cation and explanation without intent to infringe.
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
Egbert, Joy.
Foundations of education research : understanding theoretical components /
Joy Egbert, Sherry Sanden.
pages cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
1. Education—Research. 2. Education—Research—Methodology. I. Title.
LB1028.E268 2013
370.72—dc23
2013020483
ISBN: 978-0-415-71576-8 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-0-415-71579-9 (pbk)
ISBN: 978-1-315-88051-8 (ebk)
Typeset in Minion and Scala
by EvS Communication Networx, Inc.
For Jamie and David, still and always the loves of my life.
Joy
To DES, whose support makes it all happen.
And to JPH, BLH, and ZCH, for always.
Sherri
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Contents
FOREWORD, MARY F. ROE ix
PREFACE xi
ACKNOWLEDGMENT xiii
1 Foundations of Research: Conceptual Framework 1
2 Infl uences on the Research and the Researchers: Episte-
what? 15
3 Research Paradigms 29
4 Research and Theory: Just a Hunch or Something More? 45
5 Theoretical Frameworks: You Can’t Have a How Without
a Why 57
6 Research Methodologies and Methods: Ingredients for
Research Success 73
7 Myths and Misconceptions About Research 90
APPENDICES 99
INDEX 185
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Foreword
In Foundations of Education Research: Understanding Th eoreti-
cal Components, Joy Egbert and Sherry Sanden address central
components of research in order to give both novice and expe-
rienced researchers common ground from which to learn and
grow. In assuming the roles of experienced and more novice re-
searchers, Egbert and Sanden off er a unique approach for mak-
ing these concepts that all researchers use both clear and pre-
cise. Instead of creating hypothetical examples to make these
terms come to life, they turn to their lived experiences and the
insights gleaned from them. Th eir voices as researchers at dif-
ferent places in their careers add a touch of authenticity and
honesty that contributes to this text’s interest and credibility.
Topics that too oft en remain dryly explained become attention-
grabbing and thought-provoking.
Beyond the clear, precise, and interesting presentation of
their ideas, the authors add features that further the usefulness
of this text. For example, they do not leave an ability to apply
these terms to chance. By referencing methodologists as well as
practitioners, they allow readers to receive information about