The elements of inquiry : research and methods for a quality dissertation / Peter J. Burke and Sara Jimenez Soffa.

Includes bibliographical references.

PART I : -- An Introduction.

1 Research as Inquiry -- 2 Sources of Data -- 3 Common Uses of Research -- 4 The Value of Research -- 5 The Structure of Research -- 6 The Research Report

PART II : -- The Steps in the Process.

7 The Theoretical Basis of Research -- 8 The Purpose of the Study -- 9 The Design of the Study -- 10 Know the Evidence -- 11 Know the Evidence Source -- 12 Gather the Evidence -- 13 Review the Evidence -- 14 Display the Findings -- 15 Answer the Question -- 16 Determine Closure

PART III : -- Resources.

17 Research in Action -- 18 Templates for Success -- 19 Providing Structure -- 20 Annotated Bibliography.

The Elements of Inquiry covers the basic guidelines for graduate students doing an investigation or inquiry project. It distils the rubrics necessary for teaching research methods and completing research projects, and gives the student researcher a list of steps to follow to complete any type of inquiry project - including formal research projects such as doctoral dissertations. It was written to support the work of students in an educational leadership doctoral program, but it will also assist the research efforts of college students at any level in any discipline. The book begins by establishing the underlying philosophical concepts upon which all good research is based, preparing students to get down to the "nuts and bolts" of conducting their own research and evaluating the research of others. Fundamental concepts and rules of research are explained both for producers and consumers of social science and educational research. Numerous practical examples illustrate the steps in the research process presented in the text. There are end-of-chapter exercises for students to apply the concepts discussed in the chapter. Templates for organizing and presenting research provide students with a game plan for success with their research. The book ends with an up-to-date annotated bibliography of beginning and advanced research texts allowing students easy access to books that detail the more specialized research topics. While most research books detail one or more method in depth, this text provides a broad introduction to many techniques and models used in doctoral dissertations, and will be of particular value to those who are consumers of inquiry studies and research reports. Key to the overview provided is the annotated bibliography that leads the reader to the next stage of understanding or doing research.

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Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, MI : ProQuest, 2018. Available via World Wide Web. Access may be limited to ProQuest affiliated libraries.