Research in Psychology

Colin Dyer’s Research in Psychology provides a concise and accessible introduction to research methods and statistics in the field, presenting a clear focus on the practicalities of how to effectively conduct research.

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• Presents thorough coverage of key areas and topics.
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• Provides consistently clear exposition and explanation, while remaining succinct and concise.
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• Coverage of SPSS Versions 11, 12 and 13.
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• Focuses on the practicalities of research, (the “how to do it” element).
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• Includes qualitative, as well as quantitative, approaches .
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• Meets the current needs of students with little background in research methods and statistics.

List of Figures vi

List of Boxes viii

Acknowledgements x

1 Psychology and Science 1

Part I Methods of Research

2 Interviews 29

3 Surveys, sampling and questionnaires 48

4 Observations 78

5 Experiments 99

Part II Data Analysis

6 Introduction to qualitative data analysis 129

7 Introduction to quantitative data analysis 146

8 Introduction to inferential statistics 195

9 Test statistics 228

Appendices

1 Ethical principles in psychological research 285

2 SPSS Versions 11, 12 and 13 287

3 The basic rules of mathematics 290

4 Statistical tables 292

References 308

Index 314

'Research in Psychology' by Colin Dyer is well and clearly written, comprehensive and fully meets the requirements of Level One Psychology undergraduates for research methods.

Professor Tony Shelton, Liverpool John Moores University, UK.

"A user-friendly book covering a variety of topics, explaining different research methods and analyses in ways that are easy to digest... A must-have for all psychology students approaching research projects and dissertations!"

Sanjeet Ghataore, BPS student representative, Aston University

"Colin Dyer's book is a timely and authoritive text. Consistent with the current syllabus guidelines of the British Psychological Society this text covers both quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analysis. Dyer seamlessly integrates theory, practical examples and 'button pressing' within his chapters which creates a truly comprehensive, yet accessible, guide to research in psychology."

Nicola Graham-Kevan, University of Central Lancashire, UK.

“…provides a concise and accessible introduction to research methods and statistics in the field.”
Adolescence and Family Therapy

Colin Dyer has a first degree in Psychology from the University of Leicester and an M.Sc. in Cognition, Computing, and Psychology from the University of Warwick. He has been teaching psychology since 1978 and has gained experience of all levels from GCSE to postgraduate. He is now a freelance writer and researcher having previously managed and taught HE courses at North Warwickshire & Hinckley College. He is also an Honorary Lecturer at Coventry University, where he has taught both Psychology undergraduates and students on the Clinical Doctorate program. Colin Dyer’s Research in Psychology provides a concise and accessible introduction to research methods and statistics in the field. A follow up to the popular text, Beginning Research in Psychology, this book presents a clear focus on the practicalities of how to conduct research, and provides thorough coverage of key areas and topics.

Structured around two main themes, Methods and Data Analysis, the book begins with an introductory chapter on epistemological essentials of psychology and science before breaking the first section down into four comprehensive chapters on the subject of methods: interviews, surveys, observation, and experiments. The second part, focusing on data analysis, explores statistics and includes an innovative chapter on qualitative data. Each brand-new chapter begins with a chapter map, a chapter overview, and a list of key concepts, and concludes with helpful chapter summaries, extension activities, and references for suggested further reading. Integrated topic boxes throughout the text highlight definitions of technical terms to further comprehension.

Using qualitative and quantitative approaches, this text is an invaluable resource to those looking to improve their understanding of research methods and statistics.