Introduction to Research Methods and Data Analysis in Psychology

Introduction to Research Methods and Data Analysis in Psychology 2e presents quantitative and qualitative research methods and the most widely used techniques for collecting and analysing data. It provides clear and accessible coverage to equip the reader with an understanding of the research process and the practical skills they need to collect and analyse data. This second edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to include a number of new chapters and additional topics such as e-research, mixed methods, and R (a statistical software package). Detailed information is provided on experimental design and statistical analysis by hand and using SPSS v. 16.0. Expanded coverage of a range of areas including literature reviewing, the statistical techniques of ANOVA and MANOVA, and psychometrics is also provided. The text assumes that the reader has no previous knowledge of research methods or psychology and is therefore essential reading for undergraduate psychology students plus highly recommended for students on other social and health science courses. Contents Section 1 - Introducing research methods 1. Starting out in research 2. Variables: definition and measurement 3. Reliability, validity, sampling and groups 4. Interviews and observation 5. Questionnaires and psychometric tests 6. Experimental and quasi-experimental designs 7. E-research Section 2 - Analysing quantitative data 8. Fundamentals of statistics 9. Entering and manipulating data 10. Graphical representation and descriptive statistics 11. Bivariate analysis 1: exploring differences between variables 12. Bivariate analysis 2: exploring relationships between variables 13. ANOVA 14. MANOVA 15. Regression 16. Introducing R Section 3 - Analysing qualitative data 17. Fundamentals of qualitative research 18. Transcribing, coding and organising textual data 19. Phenomenological research methods 20. Grounded theory 21. Discourse analysis 22. Life story and narrative research 23. The use of computers in qualitative analysis 24. Mixed methods Section 4 - Reporting findings 25. Ethics and politics 26. Reporting and presenting findings References Features

* Study boxes - giving examples of the application of research methods and data analysis with classic and cutting-edge research in psychology

* Activity boxes - providing exercises designed to further cement knowledge and understanding

* Information boxes - providing further coverage of key issues to help illustrate concepts introduced within the text

* Command boxes - offering detailed instructions of how to carry out statistical analysis using the latest version of SPSS

* Detailed information on experimental design and statistical analysis by hand and using SPSS v. 16.0

* Updated information on the major methods used for qualitative research

* New chapter on e-research

* New chapter on mixed-methods

* New chapter on R (statistical software package)

* Expanded coverage of a range of areas including literature reviewing, the statistical techniques of ANOVA and MANOVA, and psychometrics

Langdridge, Introduction to Research Methods and Data Analysis in Psychology

Introduction to Research Methods and Data Analysis in Psychology

provides students with the only research methods textbook they will need from the start of their studies onwards to their second and possibly even third year. It is a comprehensive introduction to research methods and data analysis.

The title assumes no previous knowledge of research methods or psychology and provides an accessible, highly entertaining and jargon free way into this frequently difficult topic area. More than any other book, this text will help reduce student angst.

Introduction to Research Methods and Data Analysis in Psychology provides coverage of both quantitative and qualitative methods. This includes detail of the statistical analysis of data (by hand and using SPSS for Windows version 11.0) and the analysis of qualitative data with all the major approaches in use today. Few other single books provide the same level of coverage of quantitative and qualitative approaches.

The book includes activity boxes providing exercises designed to further cement knowledge and understanding. Study boxes are used throughout to give examples of the application of research methods and data analysis with cutting-edge research in psychology.

Introduction to Research Methods and Data Analysis in Psychology is accessible to undergraduate students studying other social science disciplines as well as appropriate for A-level students beginning to study psychology.

 

 

 

Key to the book:

Section 1

Introduces students to the foundations of research methods, including coverage of all main methods of data collection commonly in use today. Detail is provided on interviewing and observation, questionnaire and survey design along with information on experimental and quasi-experimental designs.

Section 2

Students are introduced to the full range of statistics needed in the first two years of an undergraduate psychology degree using a minimum of mathematics. Priority is given to understanding the selection and use of appropriate statistics, along with interpretation of the, often confusing, output from SPSS.

Section 3

Qualitative methods are covered, with considerable information provided about the philosophy underpinning such developments. Transcription, coding and thematic analysis, phenomenological methods, grounded theory, ethnographic research and discourse analysis, along with the use of computers in qualitative research are all covered. Detail on the pros and cons of each approach along with current debates is provided at the end of each chapter.

Section 4

Provides comprehensive information about searching and reviewing the literature, reporting and presenting findings along with discussion of ethical and political issues.

Dr. Darren Langdridge is a senior lecturer in social research methods at the University of Huddersfield. He has taught quantitative and qualitative methods to psychology students for many years and published widely on a number of topics in social psychology.