Teaching Quantitative Methods

This is a comprehensive guide to quantitative research, rooted in the author's own teaching and research. In particular, it challenges both the student who "does not do numbers" and the student who does nothing but numbers (and who therefore fails to interpret or challenge his/her results). The book shows how all educational researchers need to "do" quantitative research, even if only in the sense of reading other people's research findings. In fact, the book argues that the conventional distinction between primary and secondary research data is inadequate, since there is enormous need/opportunity for conducting research through using and reinterpreting secondary data. This leads to one of the main selling points of the book - Gorard's idea of the "idle researcher", who makes valuable contributions to the research literature by using data gathered by other researchers.

This exciting collection is both useful and timely. It clearly lays out the problems, strategies and resources associated with the teaching of quantitative methods in modern universities. Addressing the perceived ′crisis of number′ in a practical and fresh way the book sets out dynamic new approaches to teaching quantitative methods. It offers historical, comparative, analytical reflection and empirical evidence concerning the crisis in contemporary social sciences. Experts from across the social sciences provide a wide range of authoritative insights as well as a number of useful illustrations of strategies and resources designed to help overcome this ′crisis of number′. Each chapter reflects the diversity of backgrounds and approaches within the social sciences making this an interdisciplinary, relevant addition to the subject. The book also: o focuses on innovations in how to teach quantitative research methods o reports on the latest ESRC research projects on teaching quantitative methods o locates itself within current debates about skills for employment. Clear, engaging and original this book will be essential reading for those interested in learning and teaching quantitative methods.

This work, which provides a guide for revising and expanding statistical and quantitative methods pedagogy, is useful for novice and seasoned instructors at both undergraduate and graduate levels, inspiring them to use transformative approaches to train students as future researchers. Is it time for a radical revision in our pedagogical orientation? How are we currently teaching introductory statistics and quantitative methods, and how should we teach them? What innovations are used, what is in development? This ground-breaking edited volume addresses these questions and more, providing cutting-edge guidance from highly accomplished teachers. Many current textbooks and syllabi differ in only superficial ways from those used 50 years ago, yet the field of quantitative methods—and its relationship to the research enterprise—has expanded in many important ways. A philosophical axiom underlying this book is that introductory teaching should prepare students to potentially enter more advanced quantitative methods training and ultimately to become accomplished researchers. The reader is introduced to classroom innovation, and to both pragmatic and philosophical challenges to the status quo, motivating a broad revolution in how introductory statistics and quantitative methods are taught. Designed to update and renovate statistical pedagogy, this material will stimulate students, new instructors, and experienced teachers.

The aim of this book is to bridge the gap between introductory and more advanced ‘technical’ books on quantitative methods, helping the reader to progress clearly.

A Practical Guide to Teaching Research Methods in Education brings together more than 60 faculty experts. The contributors share detailed lesson plans about selected research concepts or skills in education and related disciplines, as well as discussions of the intellectual preparation needed to effectively teach the lesson. Grounded in the wisdom of practice from exemplary and award-winning faculty from diverse institution types, career stages, and demographic backgrounds, this book draws on both the practical and cognitive elements of teaching educational (and related) research to students in higher education today. The book is divided into eight sections, covering the following key elements within education (and related) research: problems and research questions, literature reviews and theoretical frameworks, research design, quantitative methods, qualitative methods, mixed methods, findings and discussions, and special topics, such as student identity development, community and policy engaged research, and research dissemination. Within each section, individual chapters specifically focus on skills and perspectives needed to navigate the complexities of educational research. The concluding chapter reflects on how teachers of research also need to be learners of research, as faculty continuously strive for mastery, identity, and creativity in how they guide our next generation of knowledge producers through the research process. Undergraduate and graduate professors of education (and related) research courses, dissertation chairs/committee members, faculty development staff members, and graduate students would all benefit from the lessons and expert commentary contained in this book.

Teaching Research Methods in Political Science brings together experienced instructors to offer a range of perspectives on how to teach courses in political science. It focuses on numerous topics, including identifying good research questions, measuring key concepts, writing literature reviews and developing information literacy skills.

"The book provides a reference point for beginning educational researchers to grasp the most pertinent elements of designing and conducting research..." —Megan Tschannen-Moran, The College of William & Mary Quantitative Research in Education: A Primer, Second Edition is a brief and practical text designed to allay anxiety about quantitative research. Award-winning authors Wayne K. Hoy and Curt M. Adams first introduce readers to the nature of research and science, and then present the meaning of concepts and research problems as they dispel notions that quantitative research is too difficult, too theoretical, and not practical. Rich with concrete examples and illustrations, the Primer emphasizes conceptual understanding and the practical utility of quantitative methods while teaching strategies and techniques for developing original research hypotheses. The Second Edition includes suggestions for empirical investigation and features a new section on self-determination theory, examples from the latest research, a concluding chapter illustrating the practical applications of quantitative research, and much more. This accessible Primer is perfect for students and researchers who want a quick understanding of the process of scientific inquiry and who want to learn how to effectively create and test ideas.

This handbook serves to act as a reference for educational researchers and practitioners who desire to acquire knowledge and skills in quantitative methods for data analysis or to obtain deeper insights from published works. Written by experienced researchers and educators, each chapter in this handbook covers a methodological topic with attention paid to the theory, procedures, and the challenges on the use of that particular methodology.