Educational Research 4th Edition by John W Creswell (Author)

Educational Research: Planning, Conducting, and Evaluating Quantitative and Qualitative Research (4th Edition)

Author: John W. Creswell

Overview

The 4th edition of Educational Research by John W. Creswell is a comprehensive guide for students and researchers engaged in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research in education. The book provides a systematic approach to understanding the fundamentals of research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation in the field of education.

Key Features & Highlights

1. Introduction to Educational Research

✔ Understanding the importance and purpose of research in education.
✔ Historical and philosophical foundations of research.
✔ Ethical considerations and the role of institutional review boards (IRBs).

2. Research Design & Approaches

✔ Quantitative research methods (experimental, survey, correlational).
✔ Qualitative research methods (case studies, phenomenology, ethnography, grounded theory).
✔ Mixed methods research – combining qualitative and quantitative approaches.

3. Research Process & Planning

✔ How to identify a research problem and formulate research questions.
✔ Developing hypotheses and defining variables.
✔ Sampling techniques and research populations.

4. Data Collection Techniques

✔ Quantitative techniques: Surveys, tests, and structured observations.
✔ Qualitative techniques: Interviews, observations, and document analysis.
✔ Use of questionnaires, scales, and other measurement tools.

5. Data Analysis & Interpretation

✔ Quantitative data analysis – descriptive & inferential statistics.
✔ Qualitative data analysis – coding, themes, and narrative descriptions.
✔ Use of SPSS, Excel, and qualitative analysis software.

6. Writing & Presenting Research

✔ Structuring a research report, thesis, or dissertation.
✔ How to write literature reviews and synthesize research findings.
✔ Citation and referencing styles (APA, MLA, Chicago).

7. Contemporary Issues in Educational Research

✔ Ethical research practices and challenges.
✔ Action research for educators.
✔ Evaluating the quality and credibility of research studies.

Why Read This Book?

✅ Comprehensive & Well-Structured – Covers all research methodologies.
✅ Balanced Approach – Focuses on quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods.
✅ Easy to Understand – Written in simple, clear, and engaging language.
✅ Real-World Examples – Includes case studies, research applications, and exercises.
✅ Step-by-Step Guidance – Helps readers plan, conduct, and evaluate research effectively.

Conclusion

Educational Research: Planning, Conducting, and Evaluating Quantitative and Qualitative Research (4th Edition) by John W. Creswell is a must-have resource for students and researchers in education. It provides a practical and structured approach to educational research, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced researchers.