Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences

by Charles Stangor

Appropriate for social science students, this text offers comprehensive coverage of both experimental and non-experimental methods. The author provides succinct explanations for a full range of methods, including descriptive, correlational, experimental, and quasi-experimental research designs. Practical tips and applications integrated throughout the text allow students to make real-world connections that encourage them to master the material.

Genres: Psychology, Science, School, Nonfiction

427 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1997

Reviews

[Mandymai · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's depressing to know that I had to pay 100 bux+ for a book like this. The publishers were absolutely sloppy, there are whole paragraphs of text which are repeated in the wrong location (they are obviously bits from previous editions which got shuffled around and nobody bothered to remove). I could excuse the grammar and spelling errors, but whole paragraphs?? The introduction to the book would have been better left out altogether. Clearly shows that Stangor has no knowledge of the philosophy of science. Mere pages after touting that behavioural researchers are different than philosophers (and religious leaders and politicians) because they use objective methods whilst philosophers use beliefs and opinions, he goes on to describe his philosophy of science! (Of course, he doesn't call it that because he doesn't know what the philosophy of science is.) And he clearly holds to verificationism; an outdated view from the 1940s which fell out of popularity because it is self-defeating and makes no sense. The hypocrisy and irony is palpable.

I don't really hold it against Stangor, we can't be experts in every field, and he clearly knows how to do statistics. But why would an academic publisher allow that to be printed as the introduction to a textbook? You would expect that they would have more respect for themselves and their readers given the exorbitant prices they charge on textbooks. But I guess cengage are laughing all the way to the bank.

I never had an opinion of Cengage publishers before but I certainly do now.

[Bethnadine]

For a research methods book, not bad. :)
In reality, the class was difficult for me. However, the book did break things down well and explained things clearly. If you are looking for some help in learning research methods, this is a good read!

[Sonya Wanvig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for a textbook