Foundations of Education Research

by Joy Egbert, Sherry Sanden

The theoretical components of research are some of the most complicated 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 six concise chapters Foundations of Education Research defines, discusses, and provides 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 experienced 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 first time and those looking to improve their understanding of the fundamentals. Practice exercises and suggested reading lists at the end of each chapter offer students resources they can apply to their own research and thinking in concrete ways. A perfect accompaniment to standard research courses, this primer demystifies the jargon of education research in practical terms.

Genres: School

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Bryan Lindstrom-Medina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-
10 pages in, I was dreading this book. It felt dry, the structure of the book is not user friendly, the guided questions are often weak, and there’s nowhere (that I’m aware of) the check your answers to ensure you’re understanding what you read.

Once I got into the book, it got better. It began to reinforce that I do have a solid starting point for research and it got me excited to dive into my dissertation. I also feel like the book helped me get ahead of the curve on where I should be during my first semester of my doctorate.

I still hate the structure of the book but the material is solid.

[Joelle Tidwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful

[Erika · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wouldn't recommend this book for course use, particularly for a doctoral course. My students complained the entire time about how using this book along with other core texts around theory in education research was extremely confusing. The book has to be supplemented because it is so short and lacks detail. Next time I will not use it at all.

[Andi · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit of a snooze-fest, but a good introduction to theoretical components.