An integrating framework to explain the research process was presented in the first edition of this book. This edition, which brings the material up to date, is designed to serve the Master s level student better while still meeting the needs of doctoral students of educational research. The nature of research, methods for qualitative and quantitative research, and application of research methods are discussed. The chapters are: (1) "An Introduction to Two Contrasting Research Styles"; (2) "The Variety of Research Methods"; (3) "From Findings to Knowledge"; (4) "The Research Chain of Reasoning"; (5) "Finding Research Problems"; (6) "Finding Links to Past Research: The Literature Review"; (7) "Causal Inference and Internal Validity"; (8) "Sampling, Representation, and External Validity"; (9) "Research Criteria To Optimize and Constraints To Observe"; (10) "Ethical Standards and Legal Constraints"; (11) "Qualitative Research Methods"; (12) "Fieldwork and Observation"; (13) "Interviewing"; (14) "Qualitative Data Analysis"; (15) "Conclusions, Reporting, and Quality Considerations in Qualitative Research"; (16) "Survey Research and Questionnaires"; (17) "The Numeric Description of Data: Descriptive Statistics"; (18) "Measurement, Testing, and Observation"; (19) "The Nature and Logic of Inferential Statistics"; (20) "Experimental Methods and Experimental Design"; (21) "Meta-Analysis--Synthesis of Findings"; (22) "Historical Research"; (23) "Evaluation Studies and Action Research"; (24) "Optimizing Research Effectiveness through Multiple Methods"; and (25) "The Macrosystem of Educational and Social Science Research." An appendix discusses writing a research proposal. (Contains 22 tables, 51 figures, and numerous references.) (SLD)