Publisher's Synopsis
`An excellent introduction to Research Methods. In fact it is more than an introduction - it is a sophisticated coverage for a book of this type. I would be more than happy to have my students use this book. and would recommend it to my colleagues. The authors take the topic seriously, and cover the broad range of research methods rather than focusing more narrowly on strict experimental designs. I consider that a real asset because there are many things worth investigating in this world that are not amenable to true experiments' - David C Howell, Professor Emeritus, University of Vermont
Covering the key research methods - both qualitative and quantitative - this fully updated Third Edition of the best-selling textbook has been significantly revised and restructured in order to take into account developments in the techniques available to students and researchers in psychology and across the social sciences.
A rich diversity of methods is encompassed, with each discussed fairly and robustly by an expert in the field. The book now has extended coverage of qualitative methods, and each of the primary qualitative methods used in psychology today. Since the second edition, some narrower chapters have been pulled together and more niche chapters have been removed - the result is a more teacher-friendly structure.
Key features of the Third Edition include:
- A new three-section structure, mirroring the three major processes in conducting research: the specification of the research question and design of the research activity; the choice of data gathering method; and the selection of data treatment regime.
- Extended heuristic devices - more illustrative case study material, updated examples from current research to illustrate recent developments in methods and techniques, key words in bold at the end of chapters, end of chapter summaries and annotated further reading sections to assist in advanced research
- A companion website is available offering a range of features for lecturers on a restricted access basis, and for students more publicly. These will help with exam assessment and written project work.
Written in a lively and accessible style, Research Methods in Psychology ensures that progress towards a thorough understanding and skilled use of these various approaches can be achieved in easy stages, and the text is therefore essential reading for all methods courses that draw on the array of research techniques available in psychology.
