Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences

Fourth Edition
Gregory J. Privitera - St. Bonaventure University
Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences
August 2024 | 664 pages | Sage US
Create Flyer

If you’re in North America, please visit our Sage College Publishing website to purchase or sample this book:

Go to College Publishing Website

Description

Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences, Fourth Edition employs a problem-focused approach to present a clear and comprehensive introduction to research methods. Award-winning teacher and author Gregory J. Privitera fully integrates the research methods decision tree into the design process to help students choose the most appropriate method for the research question they are seeking to answer. The book’s conversational writing style and student-focused features empower students to view research methods as something they can both understand and apply. Over the course of the book, students learn how to structure a study to answer a research question and navigate through the process of choosing an appropriate analysis or statistic to write a research report. New elements to the Fourth Edition include a new standalone chapter on qualitative research, assumptions testing throughout chapters on quantitative research, and updated examples and figures to communicate the latest updates in behavioral science research.

This text is offered in Sage Vantage, an intuitive learning platform that integrates quality Sage textbook content with assignable multimedia activities and auto-graded assessments to drive student engagement and ensure accountability. Unparalleled in its ease of use and built for dynamic teaching and learning, Vantage offers customizable LMS integration and best-in-class support.

Watch this video walkthrough and see how Vantage works:


                              



Contents

About the Author

About the Author

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

Preface

Preface

To the Student—How to Use SPSS With This Book

To the Student—How to Use SPSS With This Book

Section I • Scientific Inquiry

  • Chapter 1 • Introduction to Scientific Thinking
  • Science as a Method of Knowing
  • The Scientific Method
  • Other Methods of Knowing
  • The Goals of Science
  • Approaches in Acquiring Knowledge
  • Distinguishing Science From Pseudoscience
  • Chapter 2 • Generating Testable Ideas
  • Generating Interesting and Novel Ideas
  • Converting Ideas to Hypotheses and Theories
  • Developing Your Idea: Deduction and Induction
  • Performing a Literature Review
  • The “3 Cs” of an Effective Literature Review
  • Testing Your Idea: Confirmation and Disconfirmation
  • Chapter 3 • Research Ethics
  • Ethics in Behavioral Research
  • The Need for Ethics Committees in Research: A Historical Synopsis
  • Ethics: Examples From Psychology
  • Human Participant Research: IRBs and the APA Code of Conduct
  • Animal Subject Research: IACUCs and the APA Code of Conduct
  • Additional Ethical Considerations: Scientific Integrity

Section II • Defining and Measuring Variables, Selecting Samples, and Choosing an Appropriate Research Design

  • Chapter 4 • Identifying Scientific Variables
  • Criteria for Defining and Measuring Variables
  • Constructs and Operational Definitions
  • Types of Variables
  • Scales of Measurement
  • Reliability of a Measurement
  • Validity of a Measurement
  • Selecting a Measurement Procedure
  • SPSS in Focus: Entering and Coding Data
  • Chapter 5 • Sampling From Populations
  • Selecting Samples From Populations
  • Methods of Sampling: Nonprobability Sampling
  • Methods of Sampling: Probability Sampling
  • Sampling Error and Standard Error of the Mean
  • Potential Biases in Sampling
  • SPSS in Focus
  • Chapter 6 • Choosing a Research Design
  • Designing a Study to Answer a Question
  • Categories of Research Design
  • Internal and External Validity
  • Demonstrating Cause in an Experiment
  • Threats to the Internal Validity of a Research Study
  • Threats to the External Validity of a Research Study
  • External Validity, Experimentation, and Realism

Section III • Nonexperimental Research Designs

  • Chapter 7 • Qualitative Research Designs
  • An Overview of Qualitative Research
  • Role of the Researcher and Entry Into the Field
  • Sampling in Qualitative Research
  • Types of Qualitative Data
  • Qualitative Research Designs: Phenomenology, Ethnography, and Case Study
  • Chapter 8 • Naturalistic and Existing Data Research Designs
  • An Overview of Naturalistic Observation
  • Techniques for Conducting Naturalistic Observations
  • An Overview of Existing Data Designs
  • Existing Data Research Designs: Archival Research, Content Analysis, and Meta-Analysis
  • Chapter 9 • Survey and Correlational Research Designs
  • An Overview of Survey Designs
  • Rules for Writing Survey Items
  • Administering Surveys
  • Surveys, Sampling, and Nonresponse Bias
  • The Structure of Correlational Designs
  • Describing the Relationship Between Variables
  • Limitations in Interpretation
  • Correlation, Regression, and Prediction
  • SPSS in Focus: Correlation and Linear Regression

Section IV • Quasi-Experimental and Experimental Research Designs

  • Chapter 10 • Quasi-Experimental and Single-Case Experimental Designs
  • An Overview of Quasi-Experimental Designs
  • Quasi-Experimental Design: Nonequivalent Control Group Designs
  • Quasi-Experimental Design: Time Series Designs
  • Quasi-Experimental Design: Developmental Designs
  • An Overview of Single-Case Experimental Designs
  • Single-Case Baseline-Phase Designs
  • Validity, Stability, Magnitude, and Generality
  • Chapter 11 • Between-Subjects Experimental Designs
  • Conducting Experiments: Between-Subjects Design
  • Manipulation and the Independent Variable
  • Variability and the Independent Variable
  • Comparing Two Independent Samples
  • SPSS in Focus: Two-Independent-Sample t Test
  • Comparing More Than Two Independent Samples
  • SPSS in Focus: One-Way Between-Subjects ANOVA
  • Measuring the Dependent Variable
  • Chapter 12 • Within-Subjects Experimental Designs
  • Conducting Experiments: Within-Subjects Design
  • Controlling Time-Related Factors
  • Individual Differences and Variability
  • Comparing Two Related Samples
  • SPSS in Focus: Related-Samples t Test
  • Comparing Two or More Related Samples
  • SPSS in Focus: One-Way Within-Subjects ANOVA
  • An Alternative to Pre-Post Designs: Solomon Four-Group Design
  • Comparing Between-Subjects and Within-Subjects Designs
  • Chapter 13 • Factorial Experimental Designs
  • Testing Multiple Factors in the Same Experiment
  • Types of Factorial Designs
  • Main Effects and Interactions
  • Identifying Main Effects and Interactions in a Graph
  • Including Quasi-Independent Factors in an Experiment
  • Reasons for Including Two or More Factors in an Experiment
  • SPSS in Focus: Computing a Factorial ANOVA

Section V • Analyzing, Interpreting, And Communicating Research Data

  • Chapter 14 • Analysis and Interpretation: Exposition of Data
  • Descriptive Statistics: Why Summarize Data?
  • Frequency Distributions: Tables and Graphs
  • Measures of Central Tendency
  • Measures of Variability
  • SPSS in Focus: Central Tendency and Variability
  • Graphing Means and Correlations
  • Using Correlation to Describe Reliability
  • SPSS in Focus: Cronbach’s Alpha and Cohen’s Kappa
  • Chapter 15 • Analysis and Interpretation: Making Decisions About Data
  • Inferential Statistics: What Are We Making Inferences About?
  • Types of Error and Power
  • Parametric Tests: Applying the Decision Tree
  • Nonparametric Tests: Applying the Decision Tree
  • SPSS in Focus: The Chi-Square Tests
  • Effect Size: How Big Is an Effect in the Population?
  • Estimation: What Are the Possible Values of a Parameter?
  • Chapter 16 • Communicating Research: Preparing Manuscripts, Posters, and Talks
  • Elements of Communication
  • Writing a Manuscript: Writing Style and Language
  • Elements of an APA-Style Manuscript
  • Presenting a Poster

Appendix A: APA-Style Writing, Sample Manuscript, and Posters

Appendix A: APA-Style Writing, Sample Manuscript, and Posters

Appendix B: Instructions for Randomizing and Counterbalancing

Appendix B: Instructions for Randomizing and Counterbalancing

Appendix C: SPSS General Instructions Guide and Statistical Tables

Appendix C: SPSS General Instructions Guide and Statistical Tables

Glossary

Glossary

References

References

Index

Index

Description

Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences, Fourth Edition employs a problem-focused approach to present a clear and comprehensive introduction to research methods. Award-winning teacher and author Gregory J. Privitera fully integrates the research methods decision tree into the design process to help students choose the most appropriate method for the research question they are seeking to answer. The book’s conversational writing style and student-focused features empower students to view research methods as something they can both understand and apply. Over the course of the book, students learn how to structure a study to answer a research question and navigate through the process of choosing an appropriate analysis or statistic to write a research report. New elements to the Fourth Edition include a new standalone chapter on qualitative research, assumptions testing throughout chapters on quantitative research, and updated examples and figures to communicate the latest updates in behavioral science research.

This text is offered in Sage Vantage, an intuitive learning platform that integrates quality Sage textbook content with assignable multimedia activities and auto-graded assessments to drive student engagement and ensure accountability. Unparalleled in its ease of use and built for dynamic teaching and learning, Vantage offers customizable LMS integration and best-in-class support.

Watch this video walkthrough and see how Vantage works:


                              



Contents

About the Author

About the Author

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

Preface

Preface

To the Student—How to Use SPSS With This Book

To the Student—How to Use SPSS With This Book

Section I • Scientific Inquiry

  • Chapter 1 • Introduction to Scientific Thinking
  • Science as a Method of Knowing
  • The Scientific Method
  • Other Methods of Knowing
  • The Goals of Science
  • Approaches in Acquiring Knowledge
  • Distinguishing Science From Pseudoscience
  • Chapter 2 • Generating Testable Ideas
  • Generating Interesting and Novel Ideas
  • Converting Ideas to Hypotheses and Theories
  • Developing Your Idea: Deduction and Induction
  • Performing a Literature Review
  • The “3 Cs” of an Effective Literature Review
  • Testing Your Idea: Confirmation and Disconfirmation
  • Chapter 3 • Research Ethics
  • Ethics in Behavioral Research
  • The Need for Ethics Committees in Research: A Historical Synopsis
  • Ethics: Examples From Psychology
  • Human Participant Research: IRBs and the APA Code of Conduct
  • Animal Subject Research: IACUCs and the APA Code of Conduct
  • Additional Ethical Considerations: Scientific Integrity

Section II • Defining and Measuring Variables, Selecting Samples, and Choosing an Appropriate Research Design

  • Chapter 4 • Identifying Scientific Variables
  • Criteria for Defining and Measuring Variables
  • Constructs and Operational Definitions
  • Types of Variables
  • Scales of Measurement
  • Reliability of a Measurement
  • Validity of a Measurement
  • Selecting a Measurement Procedure
  • SPSS in Focus: Entering and Coding Data
  • Chapter 5 • Sampling From Populations
  • Selecting Samples From Populations
  • Methods of Sampling: Nonprobability Sampling
  • Methods of Sampling: Probability Sampling
  • Sampling Error and Standard Error of the Mean
  • Potential Biases in Sampling
  • SPSS in Focus
  • Chapter 6 • Choosing a Research Design
  • Designing a Study to Answer a Question
  • Categories of Research Design
  • Internal and External Validity
  • Demonstrating Cause in an Experiment
  • Threats to the Internal Validity of a Research Study
  • Threats to the External Validity of a Research Study
  • External Validity, Experimentation, and Realism

Section III • Nonexperimental Research Designs

  • Chapter 7 • Qualitative Research Designs
  • An Overview of Qualitative Research
  • Role of the Researcher and Entry Into the Field
  • Sampling in Qualitative Research
  • Types of Qualitative Data
  • Qualitative Research Designs: Phenomenology, Ethnography, and Case Study
  • Chapter 8 • Naturalistic and Existing Data Research Designs
  • An Overview of Naturalistic Observation
  • Techniques for Conducting Naturalistic Observations
  • An Overview of Existing Data Designs
  • Existing Data Research Designs: Archival Research, Content Analysis, and Meta-Analysis
  • Chapter 9 • Survey and Correlational Research Designs
  • An Overview of Survey Designs
  • Rules for Writing Survey Items
  • Administering Surveys
  • Surveys, Sampling, and Nonresponse Bias
  • The Structure of Correlational Designs
  • Describing the Relationship Between Variables
  • Limitations in Interpretation
  • Correlation, Regression, and Prediction
  • SPSS in Focus: Correlation and Linear Regression

Section IV • Quasi-Experimental and Experimental Research Designs

  • Chapter 10 • Quasi-Experimental and Single-Case Experimental Designs
  • An Overview of Quasi-Experimental Designs
  • Quasi-Experimental Design: Nonequivalent Control Group Designs
  • Quasi-Experimental Design: Time Series Designs
  • Quasi-Experimental Design: Developmental Designs
  • An Overview of Single-Case Experimental Designs
  • Single-Case Baseline-Phase Designs
  • Validity, Stability, Magnitude, and Generality
  • Chapter 11 • Between-Subjects Experimental Designs
  • Conducting Experiments: Between-Subjects Design
  • Manipulation and the Independent Variable
  • Variability and the Independent Variable
  • Comparing Two Independent Samples
  • SPSS in Focus: Two-Independent-Sample t Test
  • Comparing More Than Two Independent Samples
  • SPSS in Focus: One-Way Between-Subjects ANOVA
  • Measuring the Dependent Variable
  • Chapter 12 • Within-Subjects Experimental Designs
  • Conducting Experiments: Within-Subjects Design
  • Controlling Time-Related Factors
  • Individual Differences and Variability
  • Comparing Two Related Samples
  • SPSS in Focus: Related-Samples t Test
  • Comparing Two or More Related Samples
  • SPSS in Focus: One-Way Within-Subjects ANOVA
  • An Alternative to Pre-Post Designs: Solomon Four-Group Design
  • Comparing Between-Subjects and Within-Subjects Designs
  • Chapter 13 • Factorial Experimental Designs
  • Testing Multiple Factors in the Same Experiment
  • Types of Factorial Designs
  • Main Effects and Interactions
  • Identifying Main Effects and Interactions in a Graph
  • Including Quasi-Independent Factors in an Experiment
  • Reasons for Including Two or More Factors in an Experiment
  • SPSS in Focus: Computing a Factorial ANOVA

Section V • Analyzing, Interpreting, And Communicating Research Data

  • Chapter 14 • Analysis and Interpretation: Exposition of Data
  • Descriptive Statistics: Why Summarize Data?
  • Frequency Distributions: Tables and Graphs
  • Measures of Central Tendency
  • Measures of Variability
  • SPSS in Focus: Central Tendency and Variability
  • Graphing Means and Correlations
  • Using Correlation to Describe Reliability
  • SPSS in Focus: Cronbach’s Alpha and Cohen’s Kappa
  • Chapter 15 • Analysis and Interpretation: Making Decisions About Data
  • Inferential Statistics: What Are We Making Inferences About?
  • Types of Error and Power
  • Parametric Tests: Applying the Decision Tree
  • Nonparametric Tests: Applying the Decision Tree
  • SPSS in Focus: The Chi-Square Tests
  • Effect Size: How Big Is an Effect in the Population?
  • Estimation: What Are the Possible Values of a Parameter?
  • Chapter 16 • Communicating Research: Preparing Manuscripts, Posters, and Talks
  • Elements of Communication
  • Writing a Manuscript: Writing Style and Language
  • Elements of an APA-Style Manuscript
  • Presenting a Poster

Appendix A: APA-Style Writing, Sample Manuscript, and Posters

Appendix A: APA-Style Writing, Sample Manuscript, and Posters

Appendix B: Instructions for Randomizing and Counterbalancing

Appendix B: Instructions for Randomizing and Counterbalancing

Appendix C: SPSS General Instructions Guide and Statistical Tables

Appendix C: SPSS General Instructions Guide and Statistical Tables

Glossary

Glossary

References

References

Index

Index

SAGE Publishing Logo

Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences

Gregory J. Privitera
Cancel Print

August 2024 | 664 pages | Sage US

Format Published Date ISBN Price

Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences, Fourth Edition employs a problem-focused approach to present a clear and comprehensive introduction to research methods. Award-winning teacher and author Gregory J. Privitera fully integrates the research methods decision tree into the design process to help students choose the most appropriate method for the research question they are seeking to answer. The book’s conversational writing style and student-focused features empower students to view research methods as something they can both understand and apply. Over the course of the book, students learn how to structure a study to answer a research question and navigate through the process of choosing an appropriate analysis or statistic to write a research report. New elements to the Fourth Edition include a new standalone chapter on qualitative research, assumptions testing throughout chapters on quantitative research, and updated examples and figures to communicate the latest updates in behavioral science research.

This text is offered in Sage Vantage, an intuitive learning platform that integrates quality Sage textbook content with assignable multimedia activities and auto-graded assessments to drive student engagement and ensure accountability. Unparalleled in its ease of use and built for dynamic teaching and learning, Vantage offers customizable LMS integration and best-in-class support.

Watch this video walkthrough and see how Vantage works:


                              




Table Of Contents:

  • About the Author
  • Acknowledgments
  • Preface
  • To the Student—How to Use SPSS With This Book
  • Section I • Scientific Inquiry
  • Chapter 1 • Introduction to Scientific Thinking
  • Science as a Method of Knowing
  • The Scientific Method
  • Other Methods of Knowing
  • The Goals of Science
  • Approaches in Acquiring Knowledge
  • Distinguishing Science From Pseudoscience
  • Chapter 2 • Generating Testable Ideas
  • Generating Interesting and Novel Ideas
  • Converting Ideas to Hypotheses and Theories
  • Developing Your Idea: Deduction and Induction
  • Performing a Literature Review
  • The “3 Cs” of an Effective Literature Review
  • Testing Your Idea: Confirmation and Disconfirmation
  • Chapter 3 • Research Ethics
  • Ethics in Behavioral Research
  • The Need for Ethics Committees in Research: A Historical Synopsis
  • Ethics: Examples From Psychology
  • Human Participant Research: IRBs and the APA Code of Conduct
  • Animal Subject Research: IACUCs and the APA Code of Conduct
  • Additional Ethical Considerations: Scientific Integrity
  • Section II • Defining and Measuring Variables, Selecting Samples, and Choosing an Appropriate Research Design
  • Chapter 4 • Identifying Scientific Variables
  • Criteria for Defining and Measuring Variables
  • Constructs and Operational Definitions
  • Types of Variables
  • Scales of Measurement
  • Reliability of a Measurement
  • Validity of a Measurement
  • Selecting a Measurement Procedure
  • SPSS in Focus: Entering and Coding Data
  • Chapter 5 • Sampling From Populations
  • Selecting Samples From Populations
  • Methods of Sampling: Nonprobability Sampling
  • Methods of Sampling: Probability Sampling
  • Sampling Error and Standard Error of the Mean
  • Potential Biases in Sampling
  • SPSS in Focus
  • Chapter 6 • Choosing a Research Design
  • Designing a Study to Answer a Question
  • Categories of Research Design
  • Internal and External Validity
  • Demonstrating Cause in an Experiment
  • Threats to the Internal Validity of a Research Study
  • Threats to the External Validity of a Research Study
  • External Validity, Experimentation, and Realism
  • Section III • Nonexperimental Research Designs
  • Chapter 7 • Qualitative Research Designs
  • An Overview of Qualitative Research
  • Role of the Researcher and Entry Into the Field
  • Sampling in Qualitative Research
  • Types of Qualitative Data
  • Qualitative Research Designs: Phenomenology, Ethnography, and Case Study
  • Chapter 8 • Naturalistic and Existing Data Research Designs
  • An Overview of Naturalistic Observation
  • Techniques for Conducting Naturalistic Observations
  • An Overview of Existing Data Designs
  • Existing Data Research Designs: Archival Research, Content Analysis, and Meta-Analysis
  • Chapter 9 • Survey and Correlational Research Designs
  • An Overview of Survey Designs
  • Rules for Writing Survey Items
  • Administering Surveys
  • Surveys, Sampling, and Nonresponse Bias
  • The Structure of Correlational Designs
  • Describing the Relationship Between Variables
  • Limitations in Interpretation
  • Correlation, Regression, and Prediction
  • SPSS in Focus: Correlation and Linear Regression
  • Section IV • Quasi-Experimental and Experimental Research Designs
  • Chapter 10 • Quasi-Experimental and Single-Case Experimental Designs
  • An Overview of Quasi-Experimental Designs
  • Quasi-Experimental Design: Nonequivalent Control Group Designs
  • Quasi-Experimental Design: Time Series Designs
  • Quasi-Experimental Design: Developmental Designs
  • An Overview of Single-Case Experimental Designs
  • Single-Case Baseline-Phase Designs
  • Validity, Stability, Magnitude, and Generality
  • Chapter 11 • Between-Subjects Experimental Designs
  • Conducting Experiments: Between-Subjects Design
  • Manipulation and the Independent Variable
  • Variability and the Independent Variable
  • Comparing Two Independent Samples
  • SPSS in Focus: Two-Independent-Sample t Test
  • Comparing More Than Two Independent Samples
  • SPSS in Focus: One-Way Between-Subjects ANOVA
  • Measuring the Dependent Variable
  • Chapter 12 • Within-Subjects Experimental Designs
  • Conducting Experiments: Within-Subjects Design
  • Controlling Time-Related Factors
  • Individual Differences and Variability
  • Comparing Two Related Samples
  • SPSS in Focus: Related-Samples t Test
  • Comparing Two or More Related Samples
  • SPSS in Focus: One-Way Within-Subjects ANOVA
  • An Alternative to Pre-Post Designs: Solomon Four-Group Design
  • Comparing Between-Subjects and Within-Subjects Designs
  • Chapter 13 • Factorial Experimental Designs
  • Testing Multiple Factors in the Same Experiment
  • Types of Factorial Designs
  • Main Effects and Interactions
  • Identifying Main Effects and Interactions in a Graph
  • Including Quasi-Independent Factors in an Experiment
  • Reasons for Including Two or More Factors in an Experiment
  • SPSS in Focus: Computing a Factorial ANOVA
  • Section V • Analyzing, Interpreting, And Communicating Research Data
  • Chapter 14 • Analysis and Interpretation: Exposition of Data
  • Descriptive Statistics: Why Summarize Data?
  • Frequency Distributions: Tables and Graphs
  • Measures of Central Tendency
  • Measures of Variability
  • SPSS in Focus: Central Tendency and Variability
  • Graphing Means and Correlations
  • Using Correlation to Describe Reliability
  • SPSS in Focus: Cronbach’s Alpha and Cohen’s Kappa
  • Chapter 15 • Analysis and Interpretation: Making Decisions About Data
  • Inferential Statistics: What Are We Making Inferences About?
  • Types of Error and Power
  • Parametric Tests: Applying the Decision Tree
  • Nonparametric Tests: Applying the Decision Tree
  • SPSS in Focus: The Chi-Square Tests
  • Effect Size: How Big Is an Effect in the Population?
  • Estimation: What Are the Possible Values of a Parameter?
  • Chapter 16 • Communicating Research: Preparing Manuscripts, Posters, and Talks
  • Elements of Communication
  • Writing a Manuscript: Writing Style and Language
  • Elements of an APA-Style Manuscript
  • Presenting a Poster
  • Appendix A: APA-Style Writing, Sample Manuscript, and Posters
  • Appendix B: Instructions for Randomizing and Counterbalancing
  • Appendix C: SPSS General Instructions Guide and Statistical Tables
  • Glossary
  • References
  • Index

Recent Product Reviews:

Privitera's book is the best book I've seen for my audience, and it is priced well below what some of the lesser-quality competitors offer. It is accessible to the non-math major and is written in a very good style and tone for the typical behavioral science student.
J. B. Boren, Wayland Baptist University
This text is comprehensive, covering all areas of research methods in psychology.... This is a very solid text for introductory research methods.
Ann Westcot Jordan, Lewis University
Privitera continues to produce quality textbooks and course material.
Aaron Baggett, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
"This is the smoothest student onboarding process I have ever experienced. Everything is syncing and the students were able to figure things out with almost no help from me."
Echo Leaver, Instructor, Salisbury University
"Student performance after implementing Vantage is incredible...this is a really tangible way to see that."
Karen Deeming, Instructor, Merced College

Recommendations