Understanding and Doing Research in Education & the Social Sciences
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Phillip A. Olt, Fort Hays State University
Yaprak Dalat Ward, Fort Hays State University
Kevin Splichal, Fort Hays State University
Elliot Isom, Fort Hays State University
Reade Dowda, Fort Hays State University
Copyright Year:
Last Update: 2025
Publisher: Fort Hays State University
Language: English
Formats Available
Conditions of Use
Attribution-NonCommercial
CC BY-NC
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Foundations
- Values & Ethics of Social Research
- The Use of Literature in Conducting Social Research
- The Role of Theory in Social Research
- The Research Process
- Preliminary Considerations for QUANTitative Social Research
- Types of Quantitative Research
- Quantitative Data Analysis
- Preliminary Considerations for QUALitative Social Research
- Types of Qualitative Research
- Qualitative Data Analysis
- Multiple and Mixed Methods Research
- Action Research for Practitioners
- References
Ancillary Material
Submit ancillary resourceAbout the Book
The purpose of this book is the provide an open-access, free textbook for initial learning about research for students in the social sciences and related professional fields (such as education, social work, business, or nursing).
About the Contributors
Authors
Dr. Phillip A. Olt is an associate professor of higher education/educational research in the Department of Advanced Education Programs at Fort Hays State University (Kansas, USA). He earned his Ed.D. in Educational Administration (Adult & Postsecondary) from the University of Wyoming in 2018. He conducts research on special populations in higher education and institutional interactions with distance learners, while also serving as a qualitative methodologist. He primarily teaches master’s-level courses on educational research.
Dr. Yaprak Dalat Ward is a professor of educational research in the Department of Advanced Education Programs at Fort Hays State University (Kansas, USA). She earned her Ed.D. in Executive Leadership in Higher Education from Sam Houston State University in 2007. She researches community engagement, sustainable development, digital inequity, internationalization and teaching with technology using both quantitative and qualitative methods. She primarily teaches master’s-level courses on cultural diversity and educational research.
Dr. Kevin Splichal is an associate professor of educational leadership in the Department of Advanced Education Programs at Fort Hays State University (Kansas, USA). He earned his Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from Kansas State University in 2015. He conducts research on teacher readiness and preparation with qualitative methods, and he primarily teaches master’s-level courses on educational leadership and administration.
Dr. Elliot Isom is an associate professor of counseling in the Department of Advanced Education Programs at Fort Hays State University (Kansas, USA). He earned his Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision from Auburn University in 2015. He researches the impact of technology on counseling and counselor education with a background in mixed methods research. He primarily teaches master’s-level courses on tele-mental health.
Dr. Reade Dowda is an associate professor of counseling in the Department of Advanced Education Programs at Fort Hays State University (Kansas, USA). He earned his Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision from Sam Houston State University in 2015. He researches strengths-based and encouragement-focused practices in counselor supervision using qualitative methods. He primarily teaches master’s-level courses on group counseling.