Research Methods in Psychology - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0803977654 ISBN 13: 9780803977655

Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd, 1995

Synopsis

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 resear

About this title

About the Author:

Dame Glynis M. Breakwell has been a Professor of Psychology for over 20 years and is currently the Vice Chancellor of the University of Bath. Her research focuses upon identity process theory and social representations, 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 is an adviser to government and private sector companies on the use of psychological methods and theories.

Review:

`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

About this edition

• Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0803977654
• ISBN 13: 9780803977655
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 432
• Editor: Breakwell Glynis M., Hammond Sean Martin, Fife-Schaw Chris