Research methods in psychology

This comprehensive textbook introduces the key research methods employed in psychology and across the social sciences. Written in a lively, non-technical style, it covers both quantitative and qualitative methods. The volume is organized into four sections: the first considers the relationship between psychological theory and research methodology from both practical and ethical viewpoints; Part Two explains how to collect data using the major types of research design and introduces their underlying philosophical principles; Part Three offers a guide to traditional techniques of data gathering in psychology and also features less common techniques such as diary methods, focus groups, ethnographic approaches and action research; the final part covers data analysis, explaining the logic of statistical testing and the relationships between methodology and statistics. It avoids over-complicated formulae and focuses upon what can legitimately be inferred from commonly used psychological statistics. The book is illustrated with examples from current research and combines step-by-step advice, exercises, projects and lists of further reading.