Title: Becoming a behavioral science researcher : a guide to producing research that matters /
Authors: Kline, Rex B.
Publisher: Guilford Press,
Year: 2009
Subjects: Psychology Research; Behavioral Sciences methods; Research Design; Statistics as Topic methods
Abstract: "Students and beginning researchers often discover that their introductory statistics and methods courses have not fully equipped them to plan and execute their own behavioral research studies. This book bridges the gap between coursework and conducting independent research. The author helps the reader build needed skills to formulate a precise, meaningful research question; understand the pros and cons of widely used research designs and analysis options; correctly interpret the outcomes of statistical tests; make informed measurement choices for a particular study; manage the practical aspects of data screening and preparation; and craft effective journal articles, oral presentations, and posters. Including annotated examples and recommended readings, most chapters feature theoretical and computer-based exercises, complete with an answer appendix so readers can check their work."--Jacket.
Contents: Promise and problems -- Introduction -- Not ready for prime time -- What students say they need -- Plan of the book -- Career paths for behavioral scientists -- The good, the bad, and the (really) ugly of behavioral science research -- The good -- The bad -- The (really) ugly -- Why? -- Concepts -- The research trinity -- Trinity overview -- Design -- Measurement -- Analysis -- Internal validity -- Construct validity -- Conclusion validity -- External validity and sampling -- Design and analysis -- Chapter overview -- From question to design -- Experimental designs -- Controlled quasi-experimental designs -- Nonequivalent-group designs -- Regression-discontinuity designs -- Other quasi-experimental designs -- Nonexperimental designs -- Resources for learning more -- The truth about statistics -- Study strategy -- A dozen truths about statistics -- What statistical significance really means -- Misinterpretations of statistical significance -- Why are there so many myths? --