Errors in Evidence-Based Decision Making

Improving and Applying Research Literacy

By (author) Robert W. Janke, Bruce S. Cooper

Not available to order

Publication date:

25 June 2014

Length of book:

204 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781475810820

Existing research methods textbooks emphasize the mechanics of HOW to conduct research studies. However, many students fail to see WHY it is important to learn about research because they will never conduct research studies. These students do not become engaged in learning and believe that research courses and textbooks are useless. They do not see the need of developing “research literacy” to understand the applications and limitations of research to their daily lives. This book engages students with a nonmathematical presentation that includes real examples of the consequences of research errors in daily life. The organization facilitates learning with objectives, concepts, description of errors, best practices, and examples.

This is a research methods textbook for students who fear research textbooks. The diversity of topics in this book permits application to research methods courses in these academic fields: Economics, Education, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology. This should be the first book for all students to introduce research and develop “research literacy”.

Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1 Identifying Errors
Chapter 2 Dispositions and Ethics
Chapter 3 Problem Development
Chapter 4 Variables
Chapter 5 Measurement Foundations
Chapter 6 Data Collection Instruments
Chapter 7 Sampling Methods
Chapter 8 External and Internal Validity Threats to Evidence
Chapter 9 Research Design
Chapter 10 Data Analysis
Chapter 11 Statistical Probability and Interpretation
Chapter 12 Personal Biases in Interpretation
Chapter 13 The Age of Misinformation
Chapter 14 Religion and Science
Epilogue--- How Will We Apply Research to Improve Our Lives?

A comedy of errors in education is not funny! Decisions and polices must be based on honest investigation and clear, critical thinking. This book is invaluable in pointing the (best) way to improving our schools for all children.