Research Methods in Psychology
SAGE Publications Ltd (Publisher)
1st Edition
Published on 21. December 1994
Book
Hardback
432 pages
978-0-8039-7764-8 (ISBN)
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Description
This comprehensive textbook introduces the key research methods employed in psychology and across the social sciences. Written in a lively, non-technical style, it covers both quantitative and qualitative methods.
The volume is organized into four sections: the first considers the relationship between psychological theory and research methodology from both practical and ethical viewpoints; Part Two explains how to collect data using the major types of research design and introduces their underlying philosophical principles; Part Three offers a guide to traditional techniques of data gathering in psychology and also features less common techniques such as diary methods, focus groups, ethnographic approaches and action research; the final part covers data analysis, explaining the logic of statistical testing and the relationships between methodology and statistics. It avoids over-complicated formulae and focuses upon what can legitimately be inferred from commonly used psychological statistics.
The book is illustrated with examples from current research and combines step-by-step advice, exercises, projects and lists of further reading.
The volume is organized into four sections: the first considers the relationship between psychological theory and research methodology from both practical and ethical viewpoints; Part Two explains how to collect data using the major types of research design and introduces their underlying philosophical principles; Part Three offers a guide to traditional techniques of data gathering in psychology and also features less common techniques such as diary methods, focus groups, ethnographic approaches and action research; the final part covers data analysis, explaining the logic of statistical testing and the relationships between methodology and statistics. It avoids over-complicated formulae and focuses upon what can legitimately be inferred from commonly used psychological statistics.
The book is illustrated with examples from current research and combines step-by-step advice, exercises, projects and lists of further reading.
Reviews / Votes
`One is pleased to welcome books of this type. They encourage students to expand their expertise and help them to appreciate both psychology's lengthy menu of alternative methods and the contemporary European view that when approaching a research topic one should always think in terms of using a range of methods rather than relying on the "tried and tested"... this book should whet the appetite of its readers, encouraging them to discover more about the many alternatives open to the research psychologist' - Perception`This book provides a sound introduction to research methods used in psychology and related social sciences. The breadth of methods covered is impressive, encompassing quantitative and qualitative approaches. Widely used methods (such as survey, interview and observation) as well as less common techniques, such as computer simulation and multidimensional scalogram analysis, are explained clearly and succinctly. In addition, the book considers a range of conceptual and technical matters such as design, ethical and sampling issues... The style of the book is very accessible and well-suited to a novice researcher in psychology or education. The individual chapters are well-structured and many include suggested activities to help consolidate and apply the reader's knowledge. Jargon is kept to a refreshing minimum and, where needed, explained clearly. I recommend this text strongly and shall certainly use it with higher degree and research students who are new to the research process in education or psychology. The book is wider in foci than many introductory texts and presents a friendly, well-balanced approach to methodological issues' - School Psychology International
`Given the breadth and complexity of the many different forms of research method encompassed within modern psychology, a text that aims to give a comprehensive coverage of the field faces a considerable challenge. All credit is due to the editors of this book for assembling an eclectic collection of authors who between them have succeeded in delivering a wide-ranging and up-to-date set of treatments which are... clearly presented and assume little prior knowledge... each chapter provides sufficient exposition for both the beginning student and the more experienced researcher to make informed decisions about the appropriateness and limitations of particular methods for specific research questions. The text does not shy away from dealing with complex and at times rather technical issues, where these need to be fully understood before a particular technique can be used appropriately. Another strength is that the moral imperatives of scientific research in psychology are given the stress they deserve: researchers are warned against the cavalier use of methods they do not fully understand and also a too hasty rush to dissemination of analyses before their limitations have been fully worked through... This book will be a valuable reference tool for the experienced as well as the novice researcher, and could also usefully form part of an undergraduate psychology course: the short project suggestions in many of the chapters could be capitalized on in teaching as a basis for small-scale practical exercises' - British Journal of Developmental Psychology
`Some of the compendia of techniques in the social sciences have not made student-friendliness their prime concern. Now comes a highly recommendable text which shows that one does not have to sacrifice authority in order to gain approachability. Glynis Breakwell and her colleagues have authored and edited a book whose cheerful cover will, I predict, become a familiar sight because its contents are just what such a text needs... chapters have got worthwhile and relevant points to make for researchers, new and old, in our field. Let us then welcome a very accessible general introduction to methods used in psychology' - Journal of Environmental Psychology
`Although there are many books on statistics, research design and working up to publication which are aimed at the budding clinician or academic, there is a gap at the initial stage of deciding what general approach/method is likely to prove most feasible and enlightening in addressing any particular question of interest. This valuable contribution goes a considerable way towards plugging this gap. By providing brief, well referenced synopses of a broad range of approaches, it allows the novice researcher to develop a "nodding acquaintance" with a range of potential approaches. It should provide a helpful starting point and aide memoire for anyone beginning a career in pure or applied psychological research... This is a useful and easily digested book for anyone interested in research methods who needs a succinct overview of available approaches to addressing simple research questions. This is sure to find a well-thumbed corner in most departmental libraries and, given its modest price-tag, many students' own collections' - Association for Child Psychology and Psychiatry Review and Newsletter
`Although originally written with the undergraduate and postgraduate psychology student in mind, this comprehensive text will be valuable to any health care professional with a serious interest in research... Psychology undergraduates will welcome this book and will also find it useful... throughout their postgraduate studies. I would recommend a copy to be held by any multidisciplinary team for use when designing research projects, thinking about service evaluation methodology, or as a useful reference when digesting research papers' - Palliative Medicine
`Successfully written for undergraduates and as a resource for graduate students. The volume is a reader-friendly presentation of ways to address a "series of changes"... [and] is unique for its broad coverage of diverse methods, including some qualitative approaches... Useful for undergraduate and graduate students in the social sciences, education and nursing as well as psychology' - Choice
More details
Edition
First Edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Weight
734 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8039-7764-8 (9780803977648)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions

Glynis M. Breakwell | Sean Martin Hammond | Chris Fife-Schaw
Research Methods in Psychology
Book
06/2000
2nd Edition
SAGE Publications Inc
€106.66
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Persons
Dame Glynis M. Breakwell is Professor Emeritus at the University of Bath in the Department of Psychology and has Visiting Professorships at Imperial College, London and the University of Surrey. Her research focuses upon identity process theory, social influence and social representation processes, leadership in complex organisations, and the psychology of risk management, perception, and communication. She has published more than 20 books, several of which are on research methods. She has been an adviser to both public and private sector organisations on the use of psychological methods and theories, especially concerning responses to public crises and major emergencies.
Content
PART ONE
Introducing Research Methods in Psychology - Glynis M Breakwell
Research - Glynis M Breakwell
Theory and Method
Practical and Ethical Issues in Planning Research - Martyn Barrett
PART TWO
Levels of Measurement - Chris Fife-Schaw
The Experimental Method in Psychology - Alyson Davis
Single Case Experimental Designs - Sarah L Wilson
Quasi-Experimental Designs - Chris Fife-Schaw
Surveys and Sampling Issues - Chris Fife-Schaw
Facet Theory - Ian Donald
Defining Research Domains
PART THREE
Psychophysical Methods - David Rose
Psychophysiological Methods - Paul Barrett
Questionnaire Design - Chris Fife-Schaw
Using Psychometric Tests - Sean Hammond
Direct Observation - Jill Wilkinson
Interviewing - Glynis M Breakwell
Discourse Analysis - Adrian Coyle
Structuring Qualitative Data - Margaret Wilson
Multidimensional Scalogram Analysis
Focus Groups - Lynne Millward
Diary Techniques - Glynis M Breakwell and Peter Wood
Ethnographic and Action Research - David Uzzell
Historical Analysis in Psychological Research - Jonathan Chase
Using Computer Simulation To Define and Explore Theories in Psychology - Peter Simpson
PART FOUR
Bivariate Statistical Analysis - Chris Fife-Schaw
Introduction to Multivariate Data Analysis - Sean Hammond
Meta-Analysis - Peter Wood
Introducing Research Methods in Psychology - Glynis M Breakwell
Research - Glynis M Breakwell
Theory and Method
Practical and Ethical Issues in Planning Research - Martyn Barrett
PART TWO
Levels of Measurement - Chris Fife-Schaw
The Experimental Method in Psychology - Alyson Davis
Single Case Experimental Designs - Sarah L Wilson
Quasi-Experimental Designs - Chris Fife-Schaw
Surveys and Sampling Issues - Chris Fife-Schaw
Facet Theory - Ian Donald
Defining Research Domains
PART THREE
Psychophysical Methods - David Rose
Psychophysiological Methods - Paul Barrett
Questionnaire Design - Chris Fife-Schaw
Using Psychometric Tests - Sean Hammond
Direct Observation - Jill Wilkinson
Interviewing - Glynis M Breakwell
Discourse Analysis - Adrian Coyle
Structuring Qualitative Data - Margaret Wilson
Multidimensional Scalogram Analysis
Focus Groups - Lynne Millward
Diary Techniques - Glynis M Breakwell and Peter Wood
Ethnographic and Action Research - David Uzzell
Historical Analysis in Psychological Research - Jonathan Chase
Using Computer Simulation To Define and Explore Theories in Psychology - Peter Simpson
PART FOUR
Bivariate Statistical Analysis - Chris Fife-Schaw
Introduction to Multivariate Data Analysis - Sean Hammond
Meta-Analysis - Peter Wood