Research Methods, Statistics, and Applications

Designed to introduce students to conducting and analyzing research, this engaging new book consistently integrates research methods and statistics, allowing students to learn concurrently about different research designs and the appropriate statistics to use when analyzing data. Numerous examples and practical applications help readers gain interest in the material while diminishing the anxiety students experience while taking this course. In every chapter, the authors develop and apply research topics and examples from the current research literature across all aspects of the research process. Using conversational language, the text prepares students for both graduate work and for critical analysis of research as professionals and informed citizens.

Table of Contents:
Preface About the Authors 1. Thinking Like a Researcher 2. Build a Solid Foundation for Your Study by Finding, Reading, and Evaluating Past Research 3. The Cornerstones of Good Research: Reliability and Validity 4. Designing a Descriptive Study 5. Describing Your Sample 6. Beyond Descriptives: Making Inferences Based on Your Sample 7. Examining Relationships Among Your Variables: Correlational Design 8. Examining Causal Relationships Among Your Variables: Introduction to Experimental Design 9. Independent-Groups Designs 10. Dependent-Groups Designs 11. Factorial Designs 12. Nonparametric Statistics 13. Focusing on the Individual: Case Studies and Single N Designs 14. How to Decide? Choosing a Research Design and Selecting the Correct Analysis Appendix A: Answers to Practice Questions Appendix B: APA Style and Format Guidelines Appendix C: Statistical Tables Appendix D: Statistical Formulas Glossary References Author Index Subject Index

About the Author :
Kathrynn (Kathy) A. Adams earned her PhD in general experimental psychology from the University of Alabama in 1977. She was a Charles A. Dana Professor of Psychology at Guilford College when she retired in 2017 after 37 years of teaching. Her professional interests include gender issues, relationships, and teaching pedagogy. She worked with the Preparing Future Faculty Program for 20 years and helped establish the Early College at Guilford, a nationally ranked high school. In her spare time, she spends as much time as possible outdoors, practices yoga, and bakes chocolate desserts. Eva K. McGuire earned her PhD in clinical psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2002. She is a Charles A. Dana Professor of Psychology at Guilford College, where she has taught since 2003. Her research interests include environmental psychology and computer-mediated communication. Eva enjoys walking, yoga, and bike riding, and she loves to listen to live music.

Review :
"This is one of the few books of this type that writes FOR the students and not for the professor. Beginning students can get this material, and advanced students will find it a great review source." -- Cheryl L. Ramey "I have reviewed many texts over the years and this one does the best job at integrating methods and statistics within each chapter." -- Jeffrey W. Grimm, PhD "The explanations of statistical approaches are clear and the applicability of these approaches is well articulated. This text addresses the basic question of 'but why do it this way' extraordinarily well." -- Bonita G. Cade, PhD, JD "I feel like I'm constantly telling my students that learning research methods and statistics is not a linear process; it requires much revisiting of earlier topics. The authors of this text seem to echo that sentiment in their explanation of the scientific method." -- Amanda C. Gingerich "It does appear to provide a good balance of introducing the student to research methods without scaring them away from experimental design." -- Aurora Torres "I like that this text seems to cover the most essential elements of conducting research in a manner that supports the time-line of a student project." -- Laura Spiller "I appreciated the unique way the authors incorporated methods and theory of research with the practical aspects of conducting research, as often highlighted in the Ethical Tips." -- Jennifer Devenport "The biggest strengths were readability, use of examples and explanation of reasoning behind design decisions. There is also some advantage to organize by type of design versus type of statistical method." -- Mary Jo Carnot "This book nicely introduces research and sets the foundation for the later concepts to come." -- Chrislyn E. Randell "I think the text is very comprehensive...the authors cover not only the key research topics, but also include a thorough presentation of data analysis and interpretation. I also like the way the authors are addressing the topic of writing research papers in APA format and style. They have embedded "Writing in APA Format" examples and application exercises within the chapters. Students gain valuable experience writing results and discussion sections for studies using the different research designs covered in these chapters." -- Patricia C. Heindel, PhD "I think the text is a solid presentation of the material." -- Darryl Mayeaux