Research in Psychology: Methods and Design, 3rd Edition [Hardcover]

C. James Goodwin (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471398616 | ISBN-13: 978-0471398615 | Publication Date: August 9, 2001 | Edition: 3

Thoroughly revised for increased clarity, this experimental psychology text focuses on experimental methodology and the scientific way of thinking. It provides comprehensive information on current research methods, yet remains readable and engaging. Specifically, topics include data handling, idea generation, experimentation, and research design and methods. Includes sections on estimating subject needs, and survey information on the use of animals in research.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

A readable and engaging experimental psychology text, focusing on experimental methodology and the scientific way of thinking. Provides comprehensive information on current research methods. Specifically, topics include data handling, idea generation, experimentation and research design and methods. Contains early and continued coverage of research ethics as well as several first-hand accounts of research. The appendices describe how to prepare the APA-style research report and how experimental psychologists use statistical analysis for decision-making purposes. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

A CAREFUL BALANCE OF DETAIL IN A READABLE, ENGAGING STYLE!

HERE'S WHAT YOUR COLLEAGUES HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE NEW THIRD EDITION:

"The writing style is wonderful! It is clear and engaging, as if he were talking directly to the students... Topics are covered very clearly, with a knack for pointing out the pitfalls in conducting or interpreting research." --Margaret Ruddy, The College of New Jersey

"I like the author's writing style including the level of the content material and its readability. ... I especially liked the Epilogue. I have never seen this type of presentation in any text. I felt it provided the students with a convenient "resting place" after the final chapter of the text,"-- William P. Smotherman, Binghamton University - SUNY

"This is the most complete and coherent synthesis of the most prominent issues in modern research methods. ... The author does a great job summarizing a broad, diversified, and contentious field."  -- Brad Smith, University of South Carolina

"Goodwin makes research sound interesting and even fun (a challenge for me and for other instructors of undergraduate students). ... I routinely ask my students to give ratings of the textbook on a 10 point scale, and the average rating given to Goodwin's Second Edition is approximately a 9 .." -- Jason L. Hicks, Louisiana State University

"Coverage is good--some really important things are covered here that I've seen missing in other texts.--Thomas Joiner, Florida State University

Product Details

• Hardcover: 560 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 3 edition (August 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471398616
• ISBN-13: 978-0471398615
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,210,659 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent, clear introduction to research methods, August 10, 2002

By 

D. Reis (New Haven, CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Research in Psychology: Methods and Design, 3rd Edition (Hardcover)

This book is a very well-written introduction to methods in psychological research. Goodwin's style is friendly and often humorous. The information he provides is interspersed with case studies, historical antecdotes, and other "real-world" examples of research principles being put into practice. I found the reading to go extremely fast and painlessly.

Goodwin covers such topics as the goals of scientific research, types of experimental research, the fundamentals of experimental design, ethics, subject sampling, types of measurement, assessing validity, and analysis of results. He does not go into great detail about statistics or computational analysis, as this is really meant to be a general introduction to methodology of designing research experiments.

Each chapter begins with an overview, so you have a sense of what to expect ahead. He also provides study questions at the end of every chapter which are very helpful to work through. They are in various forms: multiple choice, short answers, essays, etc. so you can practice describing the topics to be sure you understand the material. There is also a study guide published for this textbook, which I would recommend getting if only for additional practice.

Having a thorough grasp of research methods is critical for any student of psychology, and this book is probably required for many methods classes in universities. Luckily, it's a great textbook to use and makes research methodology interesting and enjoyable.

4.0 out of 5 stars Boring topic but good book, March 14, 2011

By 

Rob - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Research In Psychology: Methods and Design (Hardcover)

Product came in a timely manner and in good quality, just as the seller advertised that it would. Book is as interesting as it can be for the topic it is about.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book, May 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Research in Psychology: Methods and Design (Hardcover)

It was a very clear introduction to research methods. Simple and straightforward.