Becoming a Behavioral Science Researcher: A Guide to Producing Research That Matters

by Rex B. Kline PhD

Overview

Acclaimed for helping novice behavioral scientists hit the ground running as producers of meaningful research, this text now has been extensively revised with more than 50% new material, including current guidance on open science; transparency; replication; and quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods reporting standards. The book provides the conceptual knowledge and practical skills needed to bridge the gap between introductory research design and analysis courses and execution of an independent study. In a candid, conversational style, Rex B. Kline guides the reader to choose appropriate research designs and analysis options; avoid common fallacies in interpreting the outcomes of statistical tests; make informed measurement choices; screen data for problems that could yield inaccurate results; and craft effective theses, journal articles, and presentations. Revised pedagogical features include engaging examples from published studies and student theses, as well as end-of-chapter exercises with answers.
 
New to This Edition
*Addresses critical "research crises" that have come to the fore in the last decade--and ways to remedy them.
*New chapters on the replication crisis, reporting standards, the open-science movement, and statistics reform.
*Extensively revised chapters on effect size estimation and psychometrics.
*Updated discussions of how to write publishable journal articles and create effective presentations.
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781462542925
Publisher:	Guilford Publications, Inc.
Publication date:	11/27/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	364
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Rex B. Kline, PhD, is Professor of Psychology at Concordia University in Montréal, Quebec, Canada. Since earning a doctorate in clinical psychology, he has conducted research on the psychometric evaluation of cognitive abilities, behavioral and scholastic assessment of children, structural equation modeling, training of researchers, statistics reform in the behavioral sciences, and usability engineering in computer science. Dr. Kline has published a number of chapters and journal articles in these areas. His books include Principles and Practice of Structural Equation Modeling, Fourth Edition, and Becoming a Behavioral Science Researcher, Second Edition.
 

Table of Contents

I. Promise and Problems
1. Introduction
2. Research Trinity: Design, Measurement, and Analysis
3. Crises
II. Remedies
4. Reporting Standards: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods Research
5. Open Science
6. Statistics Reform
Appendix 6.A. Significance Testing Glossary
7. Effect Size
Appendix 7.A. Source Tables for Two Factorial Examples
8. Psychometrics
III. Skills
9. Practical Data Analysis
10. Writing
11. Presentations
Appendix 11.A. Example Thesis Student Slideshow
Appendix 11.B. Example Handout

Interviews

Advanced undergraduates and graduate students in psychology, education, and related behavioral and social science disciplines, as well as new researchers who are seeking to hone their skills. Will serve as a text in advanced undergraduate courses that focus on conducting independent research, such as Psychology Honors Thesis, as well as in graduate-level courses such as Thesis Writing, Quantitative Methods, Experimental Design, and Dissertation Seminar.

Editorial Reviews

"This book is perfect for upper-level undergraduate or graduate-level thesis students. Kline takes the next step in treating psychology as a science. He argues for thoughtful, rigorous, and transparent research, because it will make our knowledge base more reproducible. He argues for effect size estimation taking precedence over significance testing, because a mature science asks not 'Yes or no?,' but rather 'How much?' I know of no other intermediate-level text that places front and center the need to register and replicate research, to prepare reports using disciplinary guidelines, and to share data. It is wonderful to see these developments making their way into a text meant to teach the fundamentals of research design and analysis. This is truly a new book for a new time."—Harris M. Cooper, PhD, Hugo L. Blomquist Professor, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University

“An outstanding book is now even better! In the decade since the first edition, we’ve seen the replication crisis and, in reply, the rise of open science. Researchers now need a deep understanding of preregistration, replication, the new statistics, the dangers of p hacking, and much, much more. Kline once again speaks with great authority and clarity in providing the ideal guide for beginning researchers finding their way in a rapidly changing research world. Every graduate student and postdoc in psychology needs this book as a constant companion. It will also be of great value for education and other social and behavioral sciences."—Geoff Cumming, DPhil, Professor Emeritus, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia

“This book is different in that it bridges the gap between how research methods are traditionally taught and how they are put into practice. As such, it can help researchers apply the concepts they are learning about. I applaud the updated coverage of qualitative studies and the practical information about what researchers should know about significance testing. This information fills in concepts that are sometimes missing in graduate research education.”—Julie Peterson Combs, EdD, Department of Educational Leadership, Sam Houston State University

“Kline’s writing is excellent and entertaining. In the second edition, the chapter on research crises is excellent and much needed, and the open-science chapter provides great database resources for students. I use this book as a supplemental text in my classes and recommend it to colleagues."—Craig D. Marker, PhD, Department of Clinical Psychology, Mercer University

“This excellent resource supports students' evolving understanding of the planning, implementation, and analysis of independent research. For example, the chapter on analysis leads readers through a step-by-step process of thinking about their data. I recommend Kline’s book for both class use and independent honors, master’s thesis, and dissertation guidance. It is a 'must read' for my students at all levels."—Diana P. F. Montague, PhD, Department of Psychology, La Salle University

From the Publisher

This book represents an insightful perspective on many topics related to beginning a behavioral science research career….The domain of behavioral science is expanding to data science, big data, and data analytics, artificial intelligence, and the behavior of machines. Kline focuses on many issues that are central to psychology, as well as other disciplines….The book showcases the author’s depth of understanding of many aspects of behavioral science research as well as expertise reflected in his research and publications. Kline authoritatively presents a well-organized review and analysis of important issues in behavioral science research.

Family and Consumer Research Journal

Recommended. Graduate students through researchers and faculty." (on the first edition)

Choice Reviews

"An extremely flexible resource that can be used in a variety of classes….Because of Kline's wonderfully comprehensive work, the book is an easy reference for all researchers looking for more modern approaches to research design and analysis. Even the most informed psychologist is likely to learn something by reading this book....A superb resource for students and teachers alike....It would enhance any psychology curriculum and help the students of today become first-rate researchers of tomorrow." (on the first edition)

PsycCRITIQUES

Reviewer: Nicholas Greco IV, MS, BCETS, CATSM, FAAETS (C3 Education and Research, Inc.)
Description: This informative guide on how to successfully conduct and present research across all areas of behavioral science should be the desktop mentor for all graduate students and current researchers.
Purpose: The book is designed to help readers gather all of the knowledge gained through their coursework and experiences and consolidate it into meaningful practice. It is about being able to bridge the gap between coursework and independent research. This gap tends to be where the most errors occur. Using such a reference will help researchers greatly reduce or eliminate these errors.
Audience: All students and beginning researchers will benefit from this book, especially those in the behavioral sciences. This could easily be a standalone book for a course or seminar as well as a supplemental text for any graduate or advanced level course in research methods. The author has done an exceptional job of closing the gap that has existed for far too long.
Features: The book covers the gray areas that coursework cannot in the allotted time, such as the main problems and concerns of behavioral science research. There are strong reviews of validity and reliability and must-needed chapters on statistics and effect sizes. I enjoyed the focus on measurement, which is an area that in recent years has not received much attention but definitely deserves it. The chapters on writing and presentations are must-read and provide great do's and don'ts that even the most seasoned researchers still need.
Assessment: I love this book. As a behavioral science researcher for a major pharmaceutical company and an educator, I will use this book and recommend it to my colleagues and students.

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