Beginning Behavioral Research: A Conceptual Primer (4th Edition) [Hardcover]

Ralph L. Rosnow (Author), Robert Rosenthal (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 19, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0130915173 | ISBN-13: 978-0130915177 | Edition: 4

This successful introduction to behavioral research methods—written by two leaders in the field—provides step by step guidance through the processes of planning an empirical study, analyzing and interpreting data, and reporting findings and conclusions. It encourages learners to be analytical and critical, not only in interpreting research findings, but also in investigating what is behind the claims and conclusions in news reports of scientific results. While the primary emphasis is on behavioral and social research, a strong effort is made to connect these disciplines with the empirical reasoning used in other fields in order to underscore the unity of science. Chapter topics cover concepts in five key areas: getting started, observation and measurement, design and implementation, describing and hypothesis testing, and statistical tests. For individuals of diverse interests and backgrounds with a common goal of learning the ins and outs of behavioral research methods.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Focused on students as potential educated consumers of scientific research (rather than as professional producers of research), this text walks them step-by-step through the process of designing and conducting an empirical study, analyzing and interpreting the data, and reporting the findings and conclusions -- and in the process, encourages and prepares them to be analytical and critical in interpreting research findings -- whatever their source. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

This successful introduction to behavioral research methods—written by two leaders in the field—provides step by step guidance through the processes of planning an empirical study, analyzing and interpreting data, and reporting findings and conclusions. It encourages learners to be analytical and critical, not only in interpreting research findings, but also in investigating what is behind the claims and conclusions in news reports of scientific results. While the primary emphasis is on behavioral and social research, a strong effort is made to connect these disciplines with the empirical reasoning used in other fields in order to underscore the unity of science. Chapter topics cover concepts in five key areas: getting started, observation and measurement, design and implementation, describing and hypothesis testing, and statistical tests. For individuals of diverse interests and backgrounds with a common goal of learning the ins and outs of behavioral research methods.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 460 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 4 edition (June 19, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0130915173
• ISBN-13: 978-0130915177
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,263,300 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It is a shame that all researchers have not followed the wisdom in this book, August 30, 2008

By 

Robert M. Gordon, Ph.D. (allentown, pa USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Beginning Behavioral Research: A Conceptual Primer (5th Edition) (Hardcover)

An Expert Look at Love, Intimacy and Personal Growth

Ralph Rosnow was my professor when I was a PhD student in the 1970's at Temple U. Most of what I learned in psychology then, now seems naive and useless. The exception is what I learned about what really is science and how research can be "scientific" and still be very wrong. I learned from Dr. Rosnow how to tell the difference between bad research and good research. Drs. Rosnow and Rosenthal saw past the smoke and mirrors, artifacts and biases, and proposed a better methodology and understanding. Recently, I had a question about my research design and analysis. I pulled "Beginning Behavior Research" off my shelf and found it valuable. it is a great book for the beginning and seasoned researcher.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beginning Behavioral Research, June 30, 2010

By 

Jo-Ann Williams (NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, US) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Beginning Behavioral Research: A Conceptual Primer (6th Edition) (Hardcover)

This book uses easy to read language while building the use of the professional language. It provides relevant examples and visuals to aid in understanding key concepts. At the end of each section is a chapter review and a quiz for application. I found this book very helpful for gaining basic knowledge about the research process.

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great seller!, September 9, 2010

By 

Janey Lam - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beginning Behavioral Research: A Conceptual Primer (6th Edition) (Hardcover)

item arrived sooner than was indicated by the estimated arrival time. great condition, perfect! thanks so much!