Includes bibliographical references and index.

Research as an important way of knowing -- Essentials of research -- Philosophical foundations -- Framing the problem -- Developing a knowledge base through review of the literature -- Theory in research -- Formulating research questions and queries -- Language and thinking processes -- Design approaches -- Experimental-type designs -- Naturalistic inquiry designs -- Setting the boundaries of a study -- Protecting the boundaries -- Boundary setting in experimental-type designs -- Boundary setting in naturalistic designs -- Collecting information -- Measurement in experimental-type research -- Gathering information in naturalistic inquiry -- Preparing and organizing data -- Statistical analysis for experimental-type research -- Analysis in naturalistic inquiry -- Sharing research knowledge before the study -- Sharing research knowledge during and after the study -- Case study designs -- Reciprocal role of research and practice -- Stories from the field.