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