This book provides a comprehensive overview of research methods in the behavioral sciences, focusing primarily on the conceptual issues inherent in conducting research. It covers topics that are often omitted from other texts, including measurement issues, correlational research, qualitative research, and integrative literature reviews. The book also includes discussions of diversity issues as they related to behavioral science research. New to this edition are chapter boxes that focus on applied issues related to each chapter topic. Throughout the book, readable examples and informative tables and figures are provided. The authors also take a contemporary approach to topics such as research ethics, replication research, and data collection (including internet research).
Autorentext
Mary E. Kite is Professor of Social Psychology at Ball State University, USA. She received her Ph.D. from Purdue University. Her research focuses on stereotyping and prejudice toward women, gays and lesbians, and older adults. She has served as President of The Society for the Teaching of Psychology (STP, APA Division 2) and Secretary-Treasurer and President of the Midwestern Psychological Association (MPA). She is a Fellow of APA Divisions 2, 8, 9, 35, and 44 and of the Association for Psychological Science and MPA. In 2014, she received the Charles L. Brewer Distinguished Teaching Award from the American Psychological Foundation. She co-authored the third edition of The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination with Bernard E. Whitley, Jr.
Bernard E. Whitley, Jr. is Professor Emeritus of Psychological Science at Ball State University, USA. He received his Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and charter member and Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science. His research interests focus on the roles of ideological variables in prejudice, and he has published in many journals including Psychological Bulletin, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, and Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. His other books include The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination with Mary E. Kite and Academic Dishonesty: An Educator's Guide (2002) with Patricia Keith-Spiegel.
Inhalt
Part 1. Introduction
Chapter 1: Behavioral Science
Science
Goals of Science
Key Values of Science
Scientific Approaches to Knowledge
Theories
Components of Theories
Characteristics of Theories
Purposes of Theories
Criteria for Evaluating Theories
Research
The Research Process
Evaluating Research
Inference in Research
Theory, Research, and Application
The Interdependence of Theory, Research, and Application
The Uses of Behavioral Science and Theory
Chapter Summary
Suggestions for Further Reading
Key Terms
References
Chapter 2: Research Strategies: An Overview
Purposes of Research
Basic and Applied Research
Evaluation Research
Action Research
Quantitative and Qualitative Research
Research Strategies
The Experimental Strategy
The Case Study Strategy
The Correlational Strategy
Comparing the Strategies
Time Perspectives: Short Term Versus Long Term
Developmental Research
Prospective Research
Outcome Evaluation
Research Settings: Laboratory Versus Field
Research Strategies and Research Settings
Research Settings and Research Participants
Chapter Summary
Suggestions for Further Readings
Key Terms
References
Chapter 3: The Ethical Treatment of Research Participants
Responsibility for Ethical Research
Ethical Considerations While Planning Research
Risk of Harm or Deprivation
Voluntary Participation
Informed Consent
Deception
Ethical Obligations During Data Collection
Avoidance of Harm
Withdrawal of Consent
Ethical Considerations Following Data Collection
Alleviating Adverse Effects
Debriefing
Compensation of Control Groups
Confidentiality of Data
The Institutional Review Board
Membership of the IRB
Criteria for approving research
Review procedures
Research Ethics in Cultural Context
Examples of Ethical Issues
Some Guidelines
Chapter Summary
Suggested Readings
Key Terms
References
Part 2: Foundations of Research
Chapter 4: The Professional and Social Responsibilities of Scientists
Mistakes and Errors in Research
Consequences of Error
Incompetence and Negligence
Questionable Research Practices
Correcting Mistakes and Errors
Scientific Misconduct
Data Fabrication
Preventing Scientific Misconduct
Ethical Issues in Publication
Authorship Credit
Duplicate Publication
Plagiarism
Using the Results of Research
The Application of Research Results
Influencing Decision Makers
Researcher's Responsibilities
Research and the Common Good
Is Applied Research More Ethical Than Basic Research?
Should Research on Some Topics Be Banned or Restricted?
Is There an Ethical Obligation to Conduct Research?
Chapter Summary
Suggestions for Further Reading
Key Terms
References
Chapter 5: Formulating a Research Question
Formulating Research Hypotheses
Establishing a Background
Choosing a Topic
Formulating the Question
Reviewing the Literature
Formulating Hypotheses
Designing the Study
Writing the Research Proposal
Replication Research
Forms of Replication
Interpreting the Results of Replication Research
Considerations in Conducting Replication Research
Replication as Part of a Systematic Research Program
Designing Research for Utilization
Knowledge Utilization
Design Considerations
Dissemination of Research Results
Bias in the Formulation of Research Questions
Personal Values
Biased Assumptions
Avoiding Bias
Chapter Summary
Suggestions for Further Reading
Key Terms
References
Chapter 6: Developing a Measurement Strategy
Reliability and Validity
Manifest Variables and Hypothetical Constructs
Reliability, Validity, and Measurement Error
Assessing Reliability
Forms of Reliability
Choosing Among the Forms of Reliability
Standards for Reliability
Item Response Theory
Assessing Validity
Categories of Validity Evidence
Discriminant Validity
Relationships Among the Categories of Validity Evidence
Determining a Measure's Degree of Validity
Modalities of Measurement
Self-Report Measures
Behavioral Measures
Physiological Measures
Implicit Measures
Choosing a Measurement Modality
Locating and Evaluating Measures
Categories of Measures
Locating Measures
Evaluating Measures
Chapter Summary
Suggestions for Further Reading
Key Terms
References
Chapter 7: The Internal Validity of Research
Confounds
Natural Confounds
Treatment Confounds
Measurement Confounds
Threats to Internal Validity
Time-Related Threats
Control Groups in Pretest-Posttest Research
Theoretical Validity
Selection Threats