Description
Book SynopsisDesigned to foster inquiry-mindedness, this book prepares graduate students to develop a conceptual framework and conduct inquiry projects that are linked to ongoing conversations in a field. The authors examine different ways of knowing and show how to identify a research question; build arguments and support them with evidence; make informed design decisions; engage in reflective, ethical practices; and produce a written proposal or report. Each chapter opens with a set of critical questions, followed by a dialogue among five fictional graduate students exploring questions and concerns about their own inquiry projects; these issues are revisited throughout the chapter. Other useful features include end-of-chapter learning activities for individual or group use.
Useful pedagogical features include: *Framing questions for exploration and reflection. *Chapter-opening dialogues that bring in perspectives from multiple disciplines. *Example boxes with detailed cases and questions
Trade Review
Wow! I was impressed by the quality of the content, the readability and flow, and the apt use of the journey metaphor. This book will serve as a key resource for education and other social science graduate students conducting research projects or for professionals writing research grant proposals for funding. Through dialogue, example, activity, and exploration, the authors illustrate that research can be engaging and fun. Each chapter has one or more reflective activities that guide readers to apply the principles presented, work collaboratively in learning groups, develop a conceptual framework for a project, and learn to generate knowledge through systematic inquiry. The activities help students navigate the entire inquiry process, from problem selection to written report. I will recommend this book to my doctoral students at the dissertation stage. The chapter on conceptual frameworks is priceless.--Eleni Coukos Elder, EdD, Department of Educational Administration, Tennessee State University
This book offers a practical overview of basic skills required for the budding researcher in the social sciences. A major theme is promoting the development of an open, inquisitive, reflective stance that enables the researcher to take in new information and generate knowledge. Each chapter offers succinct information and examples and poses questions suitable for seminar discussion. In the research design chapter, weaving a fictional student's thinking about her project into the discussion to illustrate key points is quite effective. This book promises to be a useful supplement for research design and methods courses.--Arlene Bowers Andrews, PhD, Carolina Distinguished Professor, College of Social Work, University of South Carolina
The best among a new generation of texts that helps the student learn to think like a scholar and researcher. In a single, readable volume, Rallis and Rossman distill key ideas and conceptual frameworks that currently require several textbooks and readings in my classes. They do so without getting entangled in arcane or overly technical arguments. The vignettes, examples, and exercises will help advanced graduate students and junior researchers to apply the concepts across the social and behavioral sciences, in both applied and pure fields of inquiry.--David N. Boote, PhD, School of Teaching, Learning, and Leadership, and Department of Educational and Human Sciences, University of Central Florida
The book does an excellent job--especially through the exercises--of unblocking the thinking and writing of terrified graduate students.--Sande Milton, College of Education, Florida State University -This book can easily fit into a research course. It is easy to understand, and the learning activities are excellent for stimulating discussion and assessing understanding. 5 stars.--Doody's Reviews, 7/1/2012
Table of Contents1. Inquiry as Learning: Beginning the Journey
Introduction
What Is Inquiry?
The Learner as Knowledge Generator
Drawing on Values and Passion
Your Journey into Systematic Inquiry
For Further Reading
2. Ways of Knowing: Finding a Compass
Ways of Knowing
Fundamental Assumptions
Mapping Perspectives
Back to Ontology and Epistemology
For Further Reading
3. The Cycle of Inquiry: More Than One Way to Get There
Inquiry in Action/Inquiry as Practice
The Systematic Inquiry Cycle
Validity, Credibility, and Trustworthiness
For Further Reading
4. Being an Ethical Inquirer: Staying Alert on the Road
Ethics in Inquiry
The Inquirer as a Moral Practitioner
Standards for Practice and Procedural Matters
Ethics, Trustworthiness, and Rigor
Ethical Theories
Ethics and Reflexivity
For Further Reading
5. Constructing Conceptual Frameworks: Building the Route
What Is a Conceptual Framework?
Building an Argument
Entering the Conversation: Your Community of Practice
Entering the Conversation: Your Engagement
Entering the Conversation: The Communities of Discourse
Ways of Organizing
Chapter Summary
For Further Reading
6. Designing the Inquiry Project: Finding “True North”
Moving from the Conceptual Framework into Design
Considering Various Designs
Samira’s Research Questions and Possible Designs
A Short Course on Research Methods
Planning for Analysis and Interpretation
The Research Proposal: Bringing it All Together
An Example of Connecting the What and the How
Chapter Summary
For Further Reading
7. Things to Consider in Writing: Staying in the Right Lane
Writing Introductions
The Nasty Problem of Plagiarism
Using Proper Citation Format
For Further Reading
8. Knowledge Use: Arriving at Your Destination
Using What You have Learned
Who Cares?: Potential Audiences
Communicating for Use
Passions and Closing the Loop
For Further Reading
