Understanding and Doing Research in Education & the Social Sciences
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
Reviews
The book provides an appropriately comprehensive overview of social sciences research for the intended audience - students first learning about research in social science including professional fields like education and social work. The text... read more
The book provides an appropriately comprehensive overview of social sciences research for the intended audience - students first learning about research in social science including professional fields like education and social work. The text provides a high level overview of research from defining research in social sciences through common quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods designs.
I did not find any content that was inaccurate.
The content appeared up-to-date including references to the use of Artificial Intelligence at various stages in the research process. The structure of these chapters will allow for easy updates as the capabilities and acceptance of using AI tools in research changes.
The book was easy for me to read and the writing style seemed appropriately consistent across authors. The use of examples from multiple fields makes the text useful for a range of social science fields.
A consistent format was used for all chapters. Each chapter starts with definitions of key terms and closes with key takeaways, additional resources, and references. Most of the additional resources are open resources.
The text utilizes many headings and subheadings. While there are some references to prior chapters, it would work to reorganize them.
The chapters follow a very logical flow from foundations of research in social sciences through different research methodologies.
I read the web based version and had no issues. It is also available as an EPUB and Digital PDF.
I did not notice any grammatical errors.
I didn't notice any insensitive or offensive aspects to the text.
I feel this text is very appropriate for a master's level course introducing educational research and plan to adopt it for my course.
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
About 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.