Coming soon · Book Profile
Research Methods In Psychology
A comprehensive introduction to the logic, methods, and ethics of psychological research that teaches students to think like scientists and become competent producers and critical consumers of empirical evidence about behavior.
A profile of this book is on the way.
What it’s about
Research Methods in Psychology takes a problem-solving approach to teaching how psychologists ask questions about behavior and mental processes and select methods to answer them. Organized as a toolbox of methods—moving from observation and survey research through experimental designs, single-case and quasi-experimental designs, to data analysis and scientific communication—the book grounds every technique in real, often classic, published studies. It emphasizes that no single method is sufficient: a multimethod approach yields converging evidence and the most complete understanding of behavior. With sustained attention to control, validity, reliability, ethics, and the correct interpretation of statistical results (including confidence intervals and the limits of null hypothesis significance testing), the book equips readers both to design sound research and to evaluate critically the claims they encounter in science and the media.
The through-line
- Who it’s for
- A psychology student or emerging researcher who is curious about why people and animals behave as they do and wants to both conduct sound research and critically evaluate the research claims they encounter.
- The problem
- They lack the methodological and statistical toolkit needed to design studies that yield interpretable answers and to judge whether reported findings are trustworthy. They feel intimidated by statistics, uncertain about how to draw valid conclusions, and worried about being fooled by 'bad science' or media hype.
- The plan
- Adopt an empirical, skeptical mindset and learn the scientific method.
- Master ethical principles and obtain appropriate review before beginning research.
- Choose descriptive (observation, survey) or causal (experimental) methods to fit the question.
- Apply control techniques to achieve internal validity and replicate to establish external validity.
- Analyze data through getting to know, summarizing, and confirming—using effect sizes and confidence intervals.
- The payoff
- The reader can design internally and externally valid studies, analyze and interpret data correctly, communicate results in APA style, and confidently distinguish solid science from weak claims.
See our guide
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Additional reading
- The Organism · Kurt Goldstein
Maslow sources the term 'self-actualization' from Goldstein and builds upon his holistic view of the organism.
- Explorations in Personality · H. A. Murray, et al.
Cited as providing an 'excellent discussion' on the basic principle of centering motivation theory on goals rather than instigation or behavior.
- Social Interest · Alfred Adler
Maslow credits Adler and his followers for stressing the importance of the 'esteem needs,' which he felt were neglected by Freudian psychoanalysts.
- Wisdom of the Body · W. B. Cannon
Provides the foundational concept of 'homeostasis,' which Maslow uses as the starting point for his discussion of physiological needs.
- Multipliers · Liz Wiseman
Explores how leaders can either amplify ('multiply') or diminish ('diminish') the intelligence and capabilities of their teams, a key concept for creating a positive, low-anxiety environment.
- The Fearless Organization · Amy Edmondson
Provides the foundational research and practical steps for creating psychological safety, which the book identifies as crucial for reducing interpersonal anxiety and encouraging people to speak up.
- Mindset · Carol Dweck
Explains the difference between a 'growth mindset' and a 'fixed mindset,' which is presented as a key tool for helping employees manage perfectionism and see failures as learning opportunities.
- Crucial Conversations · Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, et al.
Recommended as a resource for employees to learn how to navigate difficult, high-stakes conversations, directly addressing the book's theme of moving from conflict avoidance to healthy debate.
- Better Allies · Karen Catlin
The author is quoted on specific, actionable steps for allyship, making her book a practical guide for implementing the principles in Chapter 7.
- Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People · Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald
Explains the science of implicit bias, which is central to the book's argument that leaders need to be proactive allies because 'not being racist/sexist' isn't enough.