In the development of the book we have assumed that the reader could be either a consumer or a potential producer of research, and we have striven to achieve what we believe is a proper balance of research theory and application. Although attention has been focused upon the student who is experiencing his initial formal contact with research methodology, we have not been unmindful of the fact that others might profit from use of the book. It may well serve as a useful reference for classroom teachers, counselors, or administrators who are interested in doing research in their schools but need a “refresher course.” As an introductory text, this book is, of necessity, limited in scope and depth. We feel, however, that no important areas of research are omitted as far as the beginning student is concerned. The language used throughout the book is reasonably nontechnical and concise. Numerous examples and illustrations have been drawn from the field of education in order to clarify important points and to enhance the reader’s understanding of the essential principles, concepts, and techniques of research. The sequence of the first five chapters roughly follows the steps that a researcher might be expected to take in conducting a study. Chapter I provides an introduction to research and stresses the importance of the spirit of scientific inquiry in research. Chapter 2 deals with the selection and evaluation of problems for research. Chapter 3 explains the essential features of a research proposal and the procedures for writing one. Chapters 4 and 5 concern the use of the library Introduction to Educational Research guides readers through the various steps of the research methods process to help plan and compose their first educational research project.
