5 Essential Educational Research Books for Beginners

While working as educators, Craig A. Mertler and Carol M. Charles recognized how daunting educational research can be for newcomers. They crafted this book to demystify research methods by focusing on clear, accessible explanations supported by technology tools that enhance understanding of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. You’ll find practical guidance on creating research plans, analyzing data, and structuring reports, with chapters dedicated to designing research questions and testing hypotheses. This text suits pre-service teachers or anyone starting in educational research who wants straightforward, usable instruction without jargon.

What happens when seasoned computer scientists turn their focus to education? Sally Fincher and Marian Petre explore this intersection by unpacking the diverse traditions and methods shaping computer science education research. You’ll gain insight into how to frame research questions, understand novice misconceptions, and evaluate programming environments tailored for beginners. The book’s Part Two offers grounded chapters by domain experts, including a unique dive into algorithm visualization and schema theory for learning programming. This serves you well if you're stepping into the field and want a structured yet accessible guide to navigating its complexity.

This tailored book offers a step-by-step introduction to core concepts in educational research, designed to match your unique background and learning pace. It explores foundational ideas progressively, focusing on what you want to learn without overwhelming jargon or unnecessary complexity. The book reveals essential research principles, methods, and terminology, guiding you through the building blocks of educational inquiry with clarity and confidence. By concentrating on your specific goals and areas of interest, this personalized guide helps you develop a solid understanding and gain the skills to engage with educational research thoughtfully. It’s a supportive companion crafted to ease newcomers into the field while respecting individual learning styles.

Drawing from their extensive experience in educational theory, Joy Egbert and Sherry Sanden crafted this book to clarify the often confusing theoretical components of education research. You learn to navigate concepts like epistemology, paradigms, and theoretical frameworks with clear examples and practical exercises that make these ideas tangible. For instance, each chapter includes perspectives from both novices and seasoned researchers, offering you questions and reflections to deepen your understanding. If you're starting out or seeking to solidify your grasp of educational research theory, this book offers a straightforward path without overwhelming jargon.

What started as a need for accessible, open-source tools in educational research led Kamden K. Strunk and Mwarumba Mwavita to craft this guide focused on jamovi software for ANOVA designs. You’ll explore key concepts like research ethics, sampling methods, and fundamental statistics alongside hands-on instruction on factorial and mixed ANOVA designs. The book integrates real case studies on race and education, making complex quantitative methods approachable for beginning doctoral students and graduate learners. If you’re aiming to grasp both the theory and practical application of educational research using accessible software, this book offers a clear path without overwhelming jargon.

What started as a response to the confusion many educators face when encountering research became a clear pathway for first-time learners in Interpreting Educational Research. Daniel R. Hittleman Emeritus and Alan J. Simon offer a focused guide that equips you with foundational skills to read and evaluate both quantitative and qualitative studies effectively. You'll explore how educational research impacts curriculum and instruction decisions, with chapters dedicated to understanding data presentation and research language arts. This book is especially suited for teachers and administrators seeking to confidently interpret research without becoming producers of it, providing clarity for those new to the field.

This tailored book explores the foundational theories that shape educational research, designed specifically to match your background and learning objectives. It introduces key theoretical components progressively, helping you build confidence while removing overwhelm through clear, focused explanations. By focusing on your specific interests and skill level, this personalized guide reveals the core ideas behind educational paradigms and how they influence research design and analysis. It offers a comfortable learning experience that supports gradual mastery of complex concepts, ensuring you engage deeply without feeling lost. Whether you're new to the field or seeking clarity on theory, this book adapts its depth and pace to your goals, making educational research theory accessible and meaningful.