Overview
Educational planners and policymakers are rarely able to base their decisionmaking on sound information and research. The situation is even more difficult in developing countries, where information is scarce. Thus, educational policy often needs to be based upon research conducted in other parts of the world.This booklet provides a practical framework that can be used to locate and evaluate relevant quantitative research. Although educational research data exists, it is not always easy to locate it or to identify its potential usefulness in the policymaking process. The author gives valuable information on the types of sources to be consulted, the tools available and the processes involved in analyzing the findings. This clear and systematic presentation will be of interest to all educational specialists concerned with the development and evaluation of educational policies.
Author Biography: Steven J. Hite is Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Foundations at Brigham Young University in the United States. His primary scholarly focus is on the field-based application of traditional and contemporary research methods to investigate educational issues and policies. He has conducted research in many regions of the world, particularly in developing countries, concerned with the themes of how to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and equality of educational opportunities for disadvantaged individuals, families and communities.