Nature and tools of research -- The problem : the heart of the research process -- Review of the related literature -- Planning your research project -- Writing the research proposal -- Descriptive research -- Experimental, quasi-experimental, and ex post facto designs -- Qualitative research methods -- Mixed-method designs -- Action research and participatory designs -- Analyzing quantitative data -- Analyzing qualitative and mixed-methods data -- Planning and preparing a final research report -- Appendix A. Using a spreadsheet : Microsoft Excel -- Appendix B. Using SPSS.