Wiley-Blackwell Evaluating Research Methods in Psychology: A Case Study Approach

Using a series of over 40 case studies, this valuable text illustrates the processes and pitfalls involved in evaluating psychological research. Invites students to consider whether the conclusion drawn at the end of each case is correct, or whether the results could have an alternative explanation. Cross-referencing between sections is made easy by page references that link the case studies and explanations. Cases reflect the range of research methods taught at undergraduate level and include qualitative research. Gives students an understanding of methodological problems. Equips students to critically evaluate published research. The author and publishers have made every effort to be fair to the authors of the research described in this book. Like all sciences, psychology is forged in the fire of criticism and refinement, and we hope that the original researchers will understand that any criticism is made with the utmost respect. If you are an author of one of the pieces of research mentioned in the book and would like to respond to the critique presented, please e-mail your comments to Andrew McAleer at Andrew.McAleer@oxon.blackwellpublishing.com. Review "A thoroughly engaging book which carries the reader from one intriguing set of questions to another, this is an absorbing read which provides a real stimulant for student project ideas and a wonderful source of ideas for tutorial topics. I would certainly want my students to read it!" Hugh Foot, University of Strathclyde <!--end--> "An excellent supplement to courses in experimental research methods, critical thinking, problem solving, and cognitive psychology. Instructors can easily select course-appropriate cases to increase the depth of student's knowledge and understanding of material." Dr KirstenRewey, psychology research methods instructor, Minnesota "Dunbar's book fills a gap in undergraduate research methods texts. Often texts illustrate aspects of statistics using actual studies but just give general guidance on other aspects of study design. Here, Dunbar has provided undergraduate readers with a well selected, interesting set of illustrative examples that illuminate these other, often neglected, aspects of research design. This book will be a useful source for anyone involved in the teaching of undergraduate research methods. Students will find the book's organisation guides them through a variety of aspects of study design and highlights the potential pitfalls with concrete examples of good (and less good...) practice." DrGarry Wilson, psychology research skills instructor, University of Lincoln From the Inside Flap Using a series of over 40 case studies, this valuable text illustrates the processes and pitfalls involved in evaluating psychological research. The author describes each case in a clear and concise way. He then invites the reader to consider whether the conclusion drawn at the end of the case is correct, or whether the results could have an alternative explanation. Cross-referencing between sections is made easy by page references that link the case studies and explanations. The cases reflect the range of research methods taught at undergraduate level and include qualitative research. This case-study approach gives students a detailed understanding of methodological problems. It helps them to appreciate the difficulties of designing research, whether their own or other people's, and equips them to critically evaluate published research. An accompanying website for this book can be found at www.blackwellpublishing.com/1405120746 From the Back Cover Using a series of over 40 case studies, this valuable text illustrates the processes and pitfalls involved in evaluating psychological research. The author describes each case in a clear and concise way. He then invites the reader to consider whether the conclusion drawn at the end of the case is correct, or whether the results could have