Doing Research/Reading Research - Practical Guide for Beginners

In this review of Doing Research/Reading Research the reviewer finds a clear, practical introduction aimed at novice researchers and teacher-practitioners. The book's single biggest strength is its structured approach to turning reading into usable research knowledge: it helps readers move from organising literature to formulating a research question and carrying out a small-scale project. This edition's new material on research ethics and consideration of digital technologies also bring the book up to date for contemporary classrooms and small institutional studies.

Key Features

• Clear guidance on research questions: Step-by-step advice helps readers develop and refine a practical, researchable question tied to educational practice.
• Data collection techniques: The book presents concrete methods for collecting data so beginners can plan feasible small-scale studies.
• Qualitative and quantitative analysis: Accessible explanations of different analytic approaches let readers choose suitable methods for their project.
• Writing and dissemination: Practical guidance on how to write up findings and share results with peers and practitioners helps complete the research cycle.
• Updated ethics chapter: A new chapter addresses the complex issue of research ethics, making the book safer and more usable for real-world studies.
• Digital technologies considered: Discussion of new media helps readers consider contemporary data sources and tools in planning research.

Who It's For

This book is best for undergraduate education students, trainee teachers, classroom practitioners and early-stage researchers who need a practical, structured entry point into conducting small-scale educational research. Its emphasis on organising and evaluating existing research makes it well suited to anyone preparing a literature review or initial study.

Those seeking an advanced, specialist text with in-depth statistical treatment or professional-level research design might look elsewhere; this is aimed at beginners and intermediate readers who need clear, usable guidance rather than exhaustive methodological theory.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Practical structure that links reading to doing, useful for planning small projects.
• Balanced treatment of qualitative and quantitative approaches suitable for mixed classroom studies.
• New ethics chapter and attention to digital technologies update the text for current practice.

Cons

• Not intended as a comprehensive, advanced research methods textbook for specialist researchers.

Specifications

Title	Doing Research/Reading Research
Authors	Paul Dowling, Andrew Brown
Edition	Second edition, revised and updated
Focus	Educational research, literature organisation and small-scale projects
Includes	Research question development, data collection, analysis, writing and dissemination
New material	Chapter on research ethics; consideration of digital technologies and new media

Our Verdict

Doing Research/Reading Research is a solid, practical primer for beginners who want to turn reading into actionable educational research. It provides clear, structured steps from question formation to dissemination and is good value for trainees and classroom researchers who need a usable handbook rather than specialist depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for classroom-based projects?
Yes. The text emphasises small-scale, practical research and offers methods appropriate for classroom and school settings.

Does it cover both qualitative and quantitative methods?
Yes. The book includes guidance on both qualitative and quantitative forms of analysis so readers can choose approaches that fit their questions.

Has the edition been updated for modern concerns?
Yes. The revised second edition adds a chapter on research ethics and considers digital technologies and new media.