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The Practical Researcher: A Student Guide to Conducting Psychological Research, 3rd Edition

November 2012, ©2013, Wiley-Blackwell
The Practical Researcher: A Student Guide to Conducting Psychological Research, 3rd Edition (EHEP002464) cover image

This text offers updated online searching materials reviewed by reference librarians; updated sample references written in APA style; new material on learning to identifying the embedded outline found in published APA style papers as a way to learn to outline papers; additional discussion of diary studies, 'beeper' studies, and experience sampling methods. A new Preface and Acknowledgements is also included, as well as updated suggested references and at the end of each chapter.
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Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The Why and How of Psychological Research

Chapter 2: Research Approaches and Generating Ideas

Chapter 3: Searching and Reading the Psychological Literature

Chapter 4: Writing: A First and Last Consideration

Chapter 5: Ethical Considerations in the Practice Of Research

Chapter 6: Experimental Research

Chapter 7: Applied and Field Research: Non-experimental Approaches

Chapter 8: Planning Analysis and Displaying Data

Chapter 9: Presenting and Publishing Research

Chapter 10: Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

 

New To This Edition
  • The book and all examples in it adhere to the 6th edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA, 2010).
  • A new, annotated APA-style sample student paper (Appendix A).
  • A new example (texting while driving) is used to illustrate the research loop of experimentation (chapter 1).
  • A detailed example critique of a student-generated research topic to improve the idea (chapter 2).
  • A new participant observation examples (chapter 2).
  • A sample email to a professional psychologist requesting information (chapter 3).
  • Advice on finding and referencing doi (Digital Object Identifier) numbers for research sources (chapter 3).
  • A new outline based on the APA-style student paper (chapter 4).
  • Additional examples for writing operational definitions (chapter 4).
  • Recommendations on using random number generators (chapter 6).
  • Encouragement to try online survey softway (e.g., SurveyMonkey) and to consult quality websites for online personality measures (chapter 7).
  • Additional discussion of experience sampling as well as internet-based research approaches (chapter 7).
  • A rubric designed to help students plan and deliver oral presentations (chapter 9).
  • Tips for giving an effective PowerPoint presentation (chapter 9).
  • A sample APA-style poster done by a student and faculty member (chapter 9).
  • Discussion of psychology as a "hub science" (chapter 10).
  • A new sample student vita (Appendix D).
  • Over 40 new or updated citations.
Hallmark Features
  • Step-by-step approach leaders students through the process of developing and conducting a research project (solo or in a group) from start to finish, from generating a topic to writing an APA style report
  • New Doing Research decision trees open each chapter and guide students through the active learning exercises that inform the research process
  • Research Foundations boxes explore common issues encountered by researchers and use examples to bring research to life
  • Practical tools and tips for doing research appear throughout such as writing an experimental script, operationalizing independent and dependent variables, and creating manipulation checks, among many others.
  • Over 40 Active Learning Exercises help students build practical skills such as creating a project time line, developing a peer research contract, using a random numbers table, and reporting results in poster or paper form, among many others
  • Generating Research Ideas section provides easy to follow guidelines for developing ideas by using freewriting, keeping a research notebook, or brainstorming research ideas alone or as a research team
  • Critical thinking is emphasized when searching, reading, and writing about psychological literature

Available Versions

The Practical Researcher: A Student Guide to Conducting Psychological Research, 3rd Edition
by Dana S. Dunn
ISBN 978-1-118-36004-0
November 2012, ©2013, Wiley-Blackwell
Paperback, 429 pages
US $89.95 Add to Cart
E-book
The Practical Researcher: A Student Guide to Conducting Psychological Research, 3rd Edition
by Dana S. Dunn
ISBN 978-1-118-54613-0
November 2012, Wiley-Blackwell
Wiley E-Text, 448 pages