Research Methods in Psychology - New Zealand Edition

Reviewed by Sharlene Fedorowicz, Adjunct Professor, Bridgewater State University on 6/30/20

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The chapters in this book are comprehensive and pertinent to a research methods class in psychology. The qualitative methodologies discussed in the book are thorough and provide pertinent examples and bolded terms. Some chapters include a distinct end of section dictionary, but always contain “Key Takeaways” and student exercises to reinforce concepts learned within the chapter. A comprehensive glossary can be found at the end of the book. Although the book discusses non-equivalent groups, bivariate and multivariate information is not introduced. In addition, more distinction and comparison between types of claims (frequency, association, and causal) would be helpful. Further exercises related to the bolded terms and concepts would be beneficial to reinforce concepts.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Content provided in the book is matter of fact and does not appear to have bias. A wide variety of examples reinforce concepts in a nonbiased forum. Terms are clearly outlined with relevant examples and graphics that are both classic and current or modern to engage the reader. Supporting details within the text and terms provided by the author are well-placed, solid and strengthen the concepts and terms discussed in each chapter. The examples provided are pertinent and appropriate to the concepts. The textbook even addresses biased research and injustices that have and can occur when conducting research, and the importance and significance of avoiding bias in research and ensuring it is accurate and free of errors.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The book contains a respectable mix of both classic and modern examples, with relevant and impactful research conducted used to develop the field of psychology. Each chapter starts strong with research articles or excerpts from peer-reviewed journals as relevant examples in research from a variety of fields. Most research examples are current, but have longevity in that many are from the past 3 decades. For example, many of the articles or excerpts are taken from the late 1990's through to this decade. In addition, throughout the book there are classic research examples embedded to show the historical through current perspective and growth in the field of psychology. Another strength of this book are the multiple videos embedded into each chapter to provide relevant samples of research. Multiple QR or scanner codes are available to easily access the videos or articles.

Clarity rating: 5

Each chapter opens with strong samples of research that are interesting and relatable. This grabs the interest of the reader before segueing into the book. Because the reader becomes engaged with the example, it makes for a clear transition to the concepts in the book that are going to be taught. The terms and vocabulary words are bolded and defined as well as pertinent examples to provide a deeper understanding and connection to the learning. The examples are relevant because they provide a wide variety of topics that would be of interest to the reader. Concepts are simplified making them easy and straightforward to follow.

Consistency rating: 5

The consistency that exists throughout the textbook for framework and terminology is solid. For the framework, chapters consistently open with a modern and relevant research example, followed by the Learning Objective, texts with clearly outlined headings, and formidable colorful graphics and pictures. Each chapter finishes with reliable, highlighted sections including a dictionary (some chapters), key takeaways, practice exercises, and references for all chapters. In terms of terminology, bolded vocabulary is followed by a definition and example or excerpt from a research article. Although the terms are comprehensive, it would be of value to have more common research terms bolded throughout each chapter than what exits.

Modularity rating: 5

Strengths in readability for the book are provided by a uniform and consistent format in each chapter. Not only does the book flow between chapters, but also within the chapters. The reading sections are easily to discern and are not overly lengthy without section divisions or breaks in the text, which make for visually distinct learning sections. Each major and minor concept within the chapter has its own section with terms bolded and concepts within the subheadings. Distinct concepts are easily accessible through smaller reading sections and accompanying reinforcing sections at the end of the chapter provide a review and practice of concepts. For example, the chapter on ethics provides an initial framework for ethical issues in research at the beginning of the chapter before diving into a heading on principles, followed by subheading sections on types of ethical research.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The information provided in the textbook segues and flows easily into a deeper dive into learning, containing more complex concepts that build upon themselves. Additional resources for extended learning are easily discernable in blue sections embedded in the text, which are areas that are current and engaging for the reader. The layout has a structure that scaffolds learning and information. For example, validities were addressed in an organized manner that allowed for concrete understanding of differences. Videos and hyperlinks were aligned well within the text or after headings/subheadings to provide examples within the flow of the concept being learned. References are readily available within the text and at the end of each chapter.

Interface rating: 5

The interface was impressive for a variety of reasons. First, the book can be downloaded on the website or via pdf. This allows students to access the web and also be able to print any sections they would like for hardcopies. Graphics, pictures and charts were clear and not distorted. In addition, they were visibly placed within the text. Accessibility to links and videos in a pdf may be challenging, but the author provided a convenient and easy-to-use work around which was a QR or scan code that allows readers to access material that is not linked because of format.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

In reviewing this text, I did not find spelling or grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The number and different types of research examples embedded within the text were culturally sensitive and diverse. Examples spoke to gender, race and various cultures, such as experiences of female engineers at a university. The author even discusses appropriate ways to write research without being bias and/or offending different cultures. Throughout the text when research excerpts or examples were provided, mention was given to research that was considered to be generalizable or whether there were cultural deficits in the findings.

Comments

Overall, the concepts, organization and examples within the book were well-defined and articulated. The layout provides for easy access to exercises and online learning supplements. I am considering using this text for my next course, as it provides the content I am looking for to address student learning.