Research methods for psychological science / William J. Ray.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

What is science -- Introduction to the methods of science -- Developing the hypothesis -- Ethics -- Description of behavior through numerical representation -- Inferential statistics : making statistical decisions -- Testing the hypothesis: a conceptual introduction -- Control : the keystone of the experimental method -- Applying the logic of experimentation: between-subjects designs -- Extending the logic of experimentation: within-subjects and matched-subjects approaches -- The ecology of the experiment : the scientist and research participant in relation to their environments -- Quasi-experimental, correlational, and naturalistic observational designs -- Single-subject designs -- Questionnaires, survey research, and sampling -- Sharing results -- Beyond method.

"Research Methods for Psychological Science by William J. Ray introduces students to the principles and practice of conducting scientific research in psychology. This text illustrates the ways in which research increases our understanding of ourselves and our environment and the ways that logic and best practices can increase our understanding of human behavior. As an expert on experimental research, Dr. Ray presents key topics in an engaging, story-telling format without watering down or glossing over critical content. Whether their roles will be researchers, consumers of research, or informed citizens, students will benefit from the in-depth explanation and discussion of the process of research. Students will learn the importance of developing testable hypotheses, how to evaluate new information critically, and the impact of research on ourselves and our society . Based on the influential textbook, Methods Toward a Science of Behavior and Experience, Research Methods for Psychological Science offers thoroughly updated pedagogy, structure, and exercises to scaffold and reinforce students' learning experience. The latest information, from research on COVID behaviors to social media to the open science movement, along with key background information on history and ethics, features throughout the text to present a vision of where psychology research is going as well as where it has been. A unique chapter on research ecology helps students contextualize their research as both influencing and being influenced by the world in which we live"-- Provided by publisher.