Introduction to Behavioral Research Methods, Pearson New International Edition, 6th edition

Rigorous, yet readable.

The author presents the material with sufficient elaboration, explanation, and examples that not only interest the student, but make it understandable.

Introduction to Behavioral Research Methods incorporates the four basic approaches to behavioral research (descriptive research, correlational research, experimental research, and quasi-experimental research), and shows students how to conceptualise questions, measure variables, design studies, and analyse data. Chapters on research ethics and scientific writing (including the most recent version of APA style) round out the book. Throughout each chapter, boxes on “Developing Your Research Skills” and “Behavioral Research Case Study” provide practical examples and pique student interest.

RIGOROUS, YET READABLE.

• The author’s primary reason for writing this book was to create a textbook that is rigorous, yet readable. The author presents the material with sufficient elaboration, explanation, and examples that not only interest the student, but make it understandable.
• From the development of a research idea, through measurement issues, to design and analysis, the entire research process is an attempt to understand variability in behavior. Because the concept of variability is woven throughout the research process, the author has used it as a framework to provide coherence to the various topics in the book.

ENGAGE STUDENTS

• The text is designed to make research methods understandable, useful, and interesting for students.
• Figures, tables, and an expanded glossary are included.(ex. p .12, p. 380)
• Without an elementary grasp of statistical concepts, students may find it difficult to understand the research articles they read. Although this book is unquestionably focused on research methodology and design, the author has sprinkled essential statistical topics throughout the book. With a better understanding of what becomes of the data they collect, students should be able to design more thorough and reliable research studies. (ex. p. 23)
• New up-to-date Behavioral Research Case Studies help students apply research to practice. (ex. p. 157)

New to this Edition

• A full Lab Manual is included on MySearchLab to help engage students in the research process.
• New chapter on Selecting Research Participants (ex. p. 99)
• Chapter on scientific writing updated to conform to 6th edition of APA style (ex. p. 333)
• New sample manuscript reflects recent changes in APA style (ex. p. 355)
• New section on resisting one’s personal biases when conducting research (p. 65)
• Expanded coverage of effect size indicators (ex. p. 42)
• Revision of sections on main effects and interactions (ex. p. 222)
• New coverage of confidence intervals and the use of error bars (ex. p. 128)
• Expanded sections on telephone surveys, experience sampling, and Internet research (ex. p. 86)
• Enhanced discussion (and case study) on neuroimaging methods (fMRI) (ex. p. 78)
• New section on cross-sequential cohort designs (ex. p. 284)
• New section on research with vulnerable populations (ex. p. 322)
• New section on using PsycInfo (ex. p. 352)
• New up-to-date Behavioral Research Case Studies throughout text (ex. p. 157)