Aura Wharton-Beck

Applied Research for Contemporary Educational Leaders: Solving Practical Problems demonstrates the practical applications of research in addressing real-world problems related to educational leadership and environments. Rather than focusing on basic research, which is generally more centered on theoretical concerns, the book identifies specific issues and how to confront them with data-driven solutions. The textbook covers topics such as early career researcher impact, media influences on research approaches, qualitative and survey methodologies, observational and experimental research designs, and brand research. Subsequent chapters examine fieldwork research methods, narrative inquiry, the mechanics of doing research sampling, and the art of research writing. The book concludes with a discussion on research design that outlines descriptive and causal strategies and guides readers on how to compile and present a research report. Additionally, it includes a chapter on using SPSS (Statistical Packet for Social Sciences) for statistics in social work. Applied Research for Contemporary Educational Leaders is ideal for courses in applied research, educational research methodology, statistics for educational leadership, applied research seminar, and dissertation research. It serves as an excellent foundational tool for students embarking on applied research in education, as well as those aiming to strengthen their quantitative and qualitative research skills.