Methods for Behavioral Research

A Systematic Approach

Methods for Behavioral Research introduces psychology students to research methods. The author's principal goal is to present methods in a way that will lend coherence to the material. He does this by providing a meaningful framework based on Campbell and Stanley's "threats to validity" and by organizing the book around the chronology of the research process, treating it as a sequence of steps:

• Formulating a hypothesis

• Specifying the variables

• Creating a research design

• Collecting the data

• Analyzing the data

• Drawing conclusions and reporting the results

In addition, in his approach and via boxed features, the author encourages and models a process of critical thinking for students. The abundant study aids will help students summarize each chapter visually, and provide review questions, and exercises.