Beginning Research in Psychology: A Practical Guide to Research Methods and Statistics

An important part of all A-level psychology syllabuses is concerned with the skills and knowledge needed to carry out practical investigations in psychology. This is assessed primarily through coursework and additionally through exam papers. It is also one of the areas which candidates find most daunting. This text aims to provide accessible and comprehensive coverage of all information necessary to meet the statistics and design requirements of the AEB, JMB and London examinations. The primary focus is be on experimental method, although the book also covers a number of alternative methodologies. It makes few assumptions about student's initial levels of skill, and provides for the development of skills in an orderly fashion, beginning at relatively simple levels and building up to the stage where the student is able to design and implement a complete investigation alone. Its main features include: coverage of the information required in a way which is appropriate to student's needs; emphasis on the development of investigative skills rather than simply the transmission of information; many examples and case studies; and the tackling of issues of skill development (now essential at A-level and increasingly important at undergraduate level).