Whether analyzing attitudes, measuring opinions or observing habits, researchers who investigate people's behaviour need a wide range of techniques at their disposal. Research with people provides a unique introduction to these methods that is both clear and accessible.
Through a series of sample practicals, Holt and Walker guide you step-by-step through the process of designing and carrying out research. The authors, both experienced lecturers and researchers, use these practicals to explain theories of research design and teach you how to choose the right technique for your research topic every time. Research with People is full of handy and reassuring advice that makes it ideal as a class textbook or as a private study guide.
People are complex, and as a result conducting good-quality human research can seem daunting. This introductory textbook not only shows you how good planning can make research easy and reliable, but also reminds you how exciting it can be.
"This is the first research methods book that made me smile! It is a great 'how-to' guide, it is written in a very digestible format and doesn't overwhelm the reader with (unnecessary) details. This will be a great resource for undergraduates, making the research process less painful for them and their supervisors!" - Dr Nicola Fear, Senior Lecturer, Institute of Psychiatry, University of London
'In an area where misunderstanding is rife, this book is approachable and easy to use. It provides stimulating examples that grab the reader's attention, effectively conveying the principles of research methodologies. In the classroom, that really means the difference between passing and failing courses. The authors are to be congratulated on this great read' - James Bailey, Learning Area Manager for Social Sciences, Itchen College.
'Many students believe that the study of research methods is both difficult and dull. 'Research with people' can help dispel that belief. Holt and Walker manage to discuss the complex concepts involved clearly, simply and engagingly, using everyday examples to both inform and entertain the reader. Read it just to find out what the unipodus test is!' – Dr Nick Lund, Senior Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University
'Holt and Walker have written an extremely readable, accessible and stimulating introduction for all those students interested in studying human behaviour. In light-hearted prose, and avoiding heavy statistical language, the book distils complex matter into comprehensible reading. An excellent guide through all the key elements necessary to understand how to conduct proper research.' - Dr Michael L. W. Vliek, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Psychology, University of Amsterdam
PART I: THINKING ABOUT RESEARCH
The Problem with People: Variation and Hypothesis Testing
Who Will You Study? Samples and Populations
How Will You Describe Your Findings?
What Have You Found? Inferential Statistics
PART II: DOING RESEARCH
Designing a Study: Running For The Bus
Designing a Study: The Best Way To Manage People
Practical: It's a Matter of Taste
Practical: Abnormal Cells on a Slide - How People Search for Things
Practical: Constructing Memories
Practical: I'm Trying to Concentrate!
Practical: What Do You think? Attitude Research
Practical: Something's Not Right
Practical:Too Many Cooks Or Not Enough Heads?
Practical: Head Size and Intelligence
PART III: THE REALLY USEFUL SECTION
Thinking Critically: Don't Believe Everything you Read
Sample Write-ups
Glossary
NIGEL HOLT is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Bath Spa University College, UK. He received his degree in Psychology from Reading University and completed his D.Phil in Experimental Psychology at York University, UK. He is commissioning editor for Psychology Review.
IAN WALKER is Lecturer in Psychology and Director of Studies for Master of Research at the University of Bath, UK. He received his BSc and D.Phil in Psychology from York University, UK.
Description
Whether analyzing attitudes, measuring opinions or observing habits, researchers who investigate people's behaviour need a wide range of techniques at their disposal. Research with people provides a unique introduction to these methods that is both clear and accessible.
Through a series of sample practicals, Holt and Walker guide you step-by-step through the process of designing and carrying out research. The authors, both experienced lecturers and researchers, use these practicals to explain theories of research design and teach you how to choose the right technique for your research topic every time. Research with People is full of handy and reassuring advice that makes it ideal as a class textbook or as a private study guide.
People are complex, and as a result conducting good-quality human research can seem daunting. This introductory textbook not only shows you how good planning can make research easy and reliable, but also reminds you how exciting it can be.
Reviews
"This is the first research methods book that made me smile! It is a great 'how-to' guide, it is written in a very digestible format and doesn't overwhelm the reader with (unnecessary) details. This will be a great resource for undergraduates, making the research process less painful for them and their supervisors!" - Dr Nicola Fear, Senior Lecturer, Institute of Psychiatry, University of London
'In an area where misunderstanding is rife, this book is approachable and easy to use. It provides stimulating examples that grab the reader's attention, effectively conveying the principles of research methodologies. In the classroom, that really means the difference between passing and failing courses. The authors are to be congratulated on this great read' - James Bailey, Learning Area Manager for Social Sciences, Itchen College.
'Many students believe that the study of research methods is both difficult and dull. 'Research with people' can help dispel that belief. Holt and Walker manage to discuss the complex concepts involved clearly, simply and engagingly, using everyday examples to both inform and entertain the reader. Read it just to find out what the unipodus test is!' – Dr Nick Lund, Senior Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University
'Holt and Walker have written an extremely readable, accessible and stimulating introduction for all those students interested in studying human behaviour. In light-hearted prose, and avoiding heavy statistical language, the book distils complex matter into comprehensible reading. An excellent guide through all the key elements necessary to understand how to conduct proper research.' - Dr Michael L. W. Vliek, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Psychology, University of Amsterdam
Contents
PART I: THINKING ABOUT RESEARCH
The Problem with People: Variation and Hypothesis Testing
Who Will You Study? Samples and Populations
How Will You Describe Your Findings?
What Have You Found? Inferential Statistics
PART II: DOING RESEARCH
Designing a Study: Running For The Bus
Designing a Study: The Best Way To Manage People
Practical: It's a Matter of Taste
Practical: Abnormal Cells on a Slide - How People Search for Things
Practical: Constructing Memories
Practical: I'm Trying to Concentrate!
Practical: What Do You think? Attitude Research
Practical: Something's Not Right
Practical:Too Many Cooks Or Not Enough Heads?
Practical: Head Size and Intelligence
PART III: THE REALLY USEFUL SECTION
Thinking Critically: Don't Believe Everything you Read
Sample Write-ups
Glossary
Authors
NIGEL HOLT is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Bath Spa University College, UK. He received his degree in Psychology from Reading University and completed his D.Phil in Experimental Psychology at York University, UK. He is commissioning editor for Psychology Review.
IAN WALKER is Lecturer in Psychology and Director of Studies for Master of Research at the University of Bath, UK. He received his BSc and D.Phil in Psychology from York University, UK.
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