Discovering the Scientist Within: Research Methods in Psychology

This college-level psychology textbook focuses not on why people behave as they do, but on how scientists and researchers came to their conclusions about people’s behaviors. It covers different types of research, and why it is important to use scientific methodology to study human behavior. Students will learn about ethical decision-making; various psychology research tools such as interviews, observation, surveys; and covers optimal research designs. Each chapter looks at a specific psychology issue, and uses that as an example of good design or to illustrate the chapter’s topic. For example, to teach about Qualitative Research and the proper way to use interviewing, the chapter ‘get[s] into the mind of a serial killer’. This helps make topics engaging and relevant.

The book is visually engaging as well, with ample white space to keep information from becoming overwhelming; color photographs; modern- and pop-cultural allusions; and anecdotes that will ‘hook’ the topic in students’ minds. Sidebars define important terms, and there are numerous quizzes and chapter reviews, as well as teaching helps for instructors using the text. This will be a useful and enjoyable book for those learning the essential skills of psychology research design.