Research Methods in Psychology
📘 About This Book
Research Methods in Psychology has been substantially revised in its fourth edition. Continuing to offer enviable coverage of the research methods that psychology students at intermediate levels need to cover in their course, the textbook has now been broadened to cover the full suite of beginner level research methods too. The result is extensive coverage of psychological methods, both quantitative and qualitative, and a textbook that will serve students perfectly from day one in their course at university. Research Methods in Psychology in its fourth edition includes: • Extended statistical coverage, including new chapters on Descriptive Statistics, Inferential Statistics, ANOVA, Regression and Correlation, and Latent Variable Models • Further New Chapters on Content Analysis and Writing up your Research • New introductory sections placing each method in context and showing students how they relate to the bigger ′real world′ picture. • Intuitive structure and visual layout makes the book easy to navigate so you can quickly find the content you need. This textbook is ideal for beginner and intermediate level psychological research methods students worldwide. Visit the Research Methods in Psychology companion website www.sagepub.co.uk/breakwell4e to take advantage of additional resources for students and lecturers.
📖 Summary
Research Methods in Psychology, authored by Glynis M Breakwell and published in 2012, is a comprehensive 619-page textbook that has been substantially revised for its fourth edition. The book is designed to provide an extensive and thorough guide to the methodologies used in the psychological sciences, bridging the gap between introductory and intermediate academic levels. While earlier editions primarily focused on intermediate-level concepts, this fourth edition has been broadened to encompass the full suite of beginner-level research methods as well. This makes the textbook a complete foundational resource that can serve psychology students seamlessly from their very first day at university right through to intermediate milestones in their course. The volume delivers enviable coverage of both quantitative and qualitative psychological methods, ensuring that readers develop a well-rounded and versatile understanding of how research is conceptualized, executed, and evaluated in the field. A major highlight of this fourth edition is its significantly extended statistical coverage. Readers will find entirely new chapters dedicated to essential quantitative topics such as Descriptive Statistics, Inferential Statistics, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Regression and Correlation, and Latent Variable Models. These additions demystify complex mathematical and statistical procedures, offering clear pathways for students seeking to analyze empirical data accurately. Beyond quantitative analysis, the textbook also places a strong emphasis on qualitative techniques and practical communication skills. The fourth edition introduces further new chapters specifically focused on Content Analysis and Academic Writing. By addressing content analysis, the book equips students to systematically analyze textual, visual, or audio data, which is crucial for many qualitative research designs. Furthermore, the inclusion of dedicated guidance on writing ensures that students learn not only how to conduct rigorous scientific investigations but also how to articulate their findings clearly, professionally, and in accordance with academic standards. Overall, this substantial revision maintains the rigorous academic standards expected of a leading psychology textbook while expanding its accessibility and utility for a wider range of undergraduate learners.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Comprehensive coverage spanning both beginner and intermediate levels
Extensive new statistical chapters including ANOVA and regression
Balanced inclusion of both quantitative and qualitative methods
Practical guidance on content analysis and academic writing
⚠️ Cons
Substantial page length and depth may feel overwhelming for casual readers
Primarily structured as an academic textbook rather than casual reading
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of Research Methods in Psychology? +
The book was authored by Glynis M Breakwell.
When was this fourth edition published? +
The fourth edition of this textbook was published in 2012.
How many pages are in the book? +
The textbook spans 619 pages.
What new statistical topics are included in the fourth edition? +
New statistical coverage includes descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, ANOVA, regression and correlation, and latent variable models.
Does the textbook cover qualitative methods as well as quantitative ones? +
Yes, the book offers extensive coverage of both quantitative and qualitative methods, including a new chapter on content analysis.
