The Psychologist as Detective

Understanding psychological research by finding a problem, discovering the clues, and evaluating the evidence. The Psychologist as Detectives introduces students to the research process. The authors treat psychological research as a detective case in which a problem is presented, clues are discovered, evidence is evaluated, and a report is prepared for consideration by peers. Learning Goals Upon completing this book, readers will be able to: * Think critically about research and research methods * Analyze research as a problem solving procedure * Develop research skills by looking at examples of research studies * Evaluate evidence from a research study and prepare a report or summary of the case "The writing style of the book is great. It is definitely non intimidating for students. The authors do a great job in the clarity and readability of the material." - Judy Correa Kaiser, Saint Ambrose University "It makes research design and statistics approachable and students are able to grasp the material well." - Deborah Ragin, Montclair State University "The writing style is enjoyable. The writers write like they are talking to a student. It is approachable and easy to understand. I have not seen this in other experimental psychology textbooks." - Rebecca Regeth, California University of Pennsylvania "I love the writing style of this text. The subject level, the clarity of the arguments, the readability and interest is very appropriate the new investigators that this class prepares. The chapter organization presents a natural flow and development of the subject matter based on progression and relevance," - Own Johnson, Tennessee State UniversityChapter 1 Psychological Research and the Research Methods Course Chapter 2 Developing a Good Research Idea and Conducting an Ethical Project Chapter 3 Qualitative Research Methods Chapter 4 Nonexperimental Methods: Descriptive Methods, Correlational Studies, Ex Post Facto Studies, Survey and Questionnaires, Sampling, and Basic Research Strategies Chapter 5 Using the Scientific Method in Psychology Chapter 6 Conducting a Good Experiment I: Variables and Control Chapter 7 Conducting a Good Experiment II: Final Considerations, Unanticipated Influences, and Cross-Cultural Issues Chapter 8 Internal and External Validity Chapter 9 Using Statistics to Answer Questions Chapter 10 Designing, Conducting, Analyzing, and Interpreting Experiments with Two Groups Chapter 11 Designing, Conducting, Analyzing, and Interpreting Experiments with More than Two Groups Chapter 12 Designing, Conducting, Analyzing, and Interpreting Experiments with Multiple Independent Variables Chapter 13 Alternative Research Designs Chapter 14 Writing and Assembling an APA-Format Research Report