`This valuable book addresses an important current issues for education research in developed countries - the relationship between research on the one hand and policy-making and education practice on the other′ - Stephen Gorard, Cardiff University, British Journal of Education Studies `Martyn Hammersley has produced a remarkably complete analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of educational research. I believe the analysis to be fair to all parties′ - Lewis Elton, British Journal of Educational Technology Educational research and its relationship with policy making and practice has been a perennial concern. This book deals with some basic and controversial questions about that issue, including: - Can there be harmony in the relationship between researchers and educational policymakers or practitioners? - Do increases in knowledge always lead to practical improvement, and never to undesirable consequences? - Would educational research flourish if it were subjected to more central, and external, control? - What is the role of research reviews in making the results of research publicly available? Educational Research maps the demands now being made on educational research against the background complexities of the relationship between research and practice. This book is for students on methodology courses, taught courses and research degrees in education, social science disciplines, social policy and health studies both at masters and doctoral level.