Synopsis
The Practical Researcher by Dana S. Dunn translates the theory side of research methods into practice. Utilizing a hands on approach, Professor Dunn leads students through the process of developing and conducting research. In addition to learning about research theory, students learn the importance of reading, writing, and critiquing journal articles. As they work through the text, students are led to think beyond the given information and become critical consumers of the literature.
The Practical Researcher, is both engaging and accessible. It includes step by step tables and figures in most chapters so that students can model examples for their own work. The importance of learning to write and to utilize the APA style of writing is emphasized throughout.
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From the Back Cover
In The Practical Researcher, Dana S. Dunn’s student-friendly writing style and personal tone provide readers with a practical and engaging introduction to research methods in psychology. Using basic theory, solid research practices, and step-by-step techniques, the author leads students through the process of conducting a project from start to finish. The importance of learning to search, read, and critique the psychological literature, as well as writing clearly about it, is emphasized throughout. Packed with useful decision trees, tables, checklists, and illustrations, this clear and precise book will equip students with the tools they need to carry out their research successfully.
Special Features
- New “Doing Research” decision trees open each chapter and guide students through the active learning exercises that inform the research process
- Research Foundations boxes explore common issues encountered by researchers and use examples to bring research to life
- Practical tools and tips for doing research appear throughout, such as writing an experimental script, operationalizing independent and dependent variables, and creating manipulation checks, among many others
- Over 40 Active Learning Exercises help students build practical skills such as creating a project timeline, developing a peer research contract, using a random numbers table, and reporting results in poster or paper form, among many others
- Generating Research Ideas section provides easy to follow guidelines for developing ideas by using freewriting, keeping a research notebook, or brainstorming research ideas alone or as a research team
- Critical thinking is emphasized when searching, reading, and writing about psychological literature
- Updated chapter on Ethical Considerations in the Practice of Research includes a solid foundation and practical exercises (e.g., completing an IRB form for an ethics review, writing an informed consent form, crafting a scientifically and ethically sound debriefing script)
- Updated references and research practices includes the latest APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct
- Expanded advice on presenting research at student conferences and submitting project results to student journals
- New annotated student paper in Appendix A
About the Author
Dana S. Dunn is Professor of Psychology and Director of the Learning in Common Curriculum at Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA. He serves as President of the Society for the Teaching of Psychology in 2010.
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