Beginning research in psychology

This book provides a low-level introduction to research methods and statistics for all students of psychology, and other related disciplines, who may be required to undertake practical investigative work into human behaviour and experience. It provides a range of information to enable the reader not only to carry out satisfying investigations, but also to understand something of the theory involved in scientific research. Throughout, the author gives equal treatment to experiment, case studies, surveys and observational research. The main methods of psychological research are described in detail and practical information on how to approach the implementation of the method is also included. Each chapter also contains a number of examples drawn from the psychological literature, together with suggestions for small-scale research projects.

In addition to the core chapters on research methods there is substantial treatment of the scientific methods. Further chapters on descriptive and inferential statistics combine reviews of key statistical concepts (such as probability and normal distribution) with clear computational instructions. Basic data-handling skills, including the process of writing up research, are also considered and all necessary statistical tables are provided in an appendix.