We are optimistic about the future of educational research. It is amazing how different research in education has become since we published our first edition in 1972. Now in Chapter 1, in addition to a general overview of the nature and lanuguage of science, particularly as it relates to education, we also report on recent federal legialation. Our government is now telling educators that it is important to make evidence-based decisions before taking action, which sounds much like what we have been advocating all along.
Our goal while preparing the first edition of this book was to enable our readers to master the basic competencies necessary to (1) understand and evaluate the research of others and (2) plan and conduct original research with minimal assistance. Although we have remained true to this goal through six editions of our book, the landscape of American education has undergone many changes. As research in education has matured, we have adapted each new edition to provide our readers with the knowledge required to keep abreast of these changes
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Part 1 Foundations: The Scientific Approach in Education
Part 2 Research Background
Part 3 Statistical Analysis
Part 4 Fundamentals of Measurement
Part 5 Research Methods
Part 6 Communicating Research