Geoffrey M. Maruyama

With the availability of software programs such as LISREL, EQS, and AMOS modeling techniques have become a popular tool for formalized presentation of the hypothesized relationships underlying correlational research and for testing the plausibility of hypothesizing for a particular data set. The popularity of these techniques, however, has often led to misunderstandings of them, particularly by students being exposed to them for the first time. Through the use of careful narrative explanation, Basics of Structural Equation Modeling describes the logic underlying structural equation modeling (SEM) approaches, describes how SEM approaches relate to techniques like regression and factor analysis, analyzes the strengths and shortcomings of SEM as compared to alternative methodologies, and explores the various methodologies for analyzing structural equation data.

With a frank and discursive style, the authors address both the problems of access and the problems of researcher control. The result is a readable but realistic guide to the strategies required for valid investigations in educational settings. . . . The book is practical and useable. It gives a case study at the start, provides exercises after each chapter and is clearly written. --School Psychology International To date little material has been written about the pitfalls of conducting research in schools--until now. Research in Educational Settings helps prospective educational researchers plan their research more carefully in K-12 schools. This welcome addition to the research field focuses on the following issues: access and credibility in the school; traditional issues of designing research; questions that emerge as the design is imposed on the school culture and setting, particularly in regards to school staff and student assessment; the length of interventions and whether or not to schedule follow-up studies; and, how to interpret and communicate findings to schools and policymakers. Using personal experiences from their field research to illustrate key concepts, the authors also include a research project to clarify the practical issues of school research. Professionals and students of research methods, evaluation, education, psychology, and sociology will readily welcome this much awaited volume.