This text teaches readers how to plan, conduct, and write a research project and select and interpret data through its integrated approach to quantitative research methods. Although not a statistics book, students learn to master which technique to use when and how to analyze and interpret results, making them better consumers of research. Organized around the steps of conducting a research project, this book is ideal for those who need to analyze journal articles. With teaching experience in various departments, the authors know how to address the research problems faced by behavioral and social sciences students. Independent sections and chapters can be read in any order allowing for flexibility in assigning topics.

Adopters applaud the book's clarity and applied interdependent approach to research. The book emphasizes five research approaches: randomized experimental, quasi-experimental, comparative, associational, and descriptive. These five approaches lead to three kinds of research designs which lead to three groups of statistics with the same names. This consistent framework increases comprehension while avoiding confusion caused by inconsistent terminology. Numerous examples, diagrams, tables, key terms, key distinctions, summaries, applied problems, interpretation questions, and suggested readings further promote understanding.

This extensively revised edition features:

• More examples from published research articles to help readers better understand the research process.
• New Research in the Real World boxes that highlight actual research projects from various disciplines.
• Defined key terms in the margins and interpretation questions that help readers review the material.
• More detailed explanations of key concepts including reliability, validity, estimation, ethical and bias concerns, data security and assumptions, power analysis , and multiple and logistic regression.
• New sections on mediation and moderation analysis to address the latest techniques.
• More coverage of quasi-experimental design and qualitative research to reflect changing practices.
• A new appendix on how to write about results using APA guidelines to help new researchers.
• Online resources available at www.routledge.com/9781138852976 that provide instructors with PowerPoints, test questions, critical thinking exercises, a conversion guide, and answers to all of the book's problems and questions. Students will find learning objectives, annotated links to further readings and key concepts, and key terms with links to definitions.

Intended for graduate research methods or design or quantitative/experimental research methods courses in psychology, education, human development, family studies, and other behavioral, social, and health sciences, some exposure to statistics and research methods is recommended.

This crystal clear, applied text teaches readers how to plan, conduct, and write a research project and select and interpret data through its integrated approach to research methods. Although not a statistics book, readers learn to master which technique to use when and how to analyze results, making them better consumers of research. Organized around the steps of conducting a research project, independent sections and chapters can be read in any order for utmost learning flexibility. A consistent framework increases comprehension. Numerous examples, diagrams, tables, key terms, summaries, applied problems and questions, and suggested readings further promote understanding.

"Gliner, Morgan, and Leech have built upon and enhanced their previous work in designing this clear and comprehensive 3rd edition, perfect for a quantitative research design course, or as a go-to text for the quantitatively-focused researcher." -Erica Eckert, Kent State University, USA"We have used this textbook for a number of years. It is clear, well-organized, and written at a level suited to doctoral students who do applied work using a variety of research methodologies. The latest edition improves upon an already good book by adding sections from research articles that exemplify points the authors are making, tables and diagrams for visual learners, and references to effect size and power that reinforce the need for consideration of the research design from multiple perspectives. Our students do a good job of writing a research proposal using the information from this book." -Kathy Green, University of Denver, USA"This third edition is a comprehensive and well-written book for graduate students and researchers doing research in education and other applied areas. The book provides not only an in-depth discussion of research methods concepts, but also a lot of real life examples for illustration. It is an excellent reference source for anyone doing research." -Michael C. W. Yip, The Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong"This is an indispensable text for students of applied research and even though I have many years of experience myself, I find it very helpful in doing my own research projects and teaching research to graduate students. It sets out key messages about how to do research properly, and in this 3rd edition bases much of its advice on practical case studies." -Paul Kiff, The Research Academy, UK"This is an excellent textbook for any education or social science course on quantitative methods. The authors break down the elements of the research process into easily digestible segments that use examples from published research studies to demonstrate each step. This is a must for faculty introducing graduate students to quantitative methods and also as an easy to use reference for the experienced researcher." -Mark Kretovics, Kent State University, USA