How to Design and Report Experiments

by Andy Field

• ISBN13: 9780761973836
• ISBN10: 0761973834
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-02-28
• Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd

Summary

How to Design and Report Experiments is the perfect textbook and guide to the often bewildering world of experimental design and statistics. It provides a complete map of the entire process beginning with how to get ideas about research, how to refine your research question and the actual design of the experiment, leading on to statistical procedure and assistance with writing up of results. While many books look at the fundamentals of doing successful experiments and include good coverage of statistical techniques, this book very importantly considers the process in chronological order with specific attention given to effective design in the context of likely methods needed and expected results. Without full assessment of these aspects, the experience and results may not end up being as positive as one might have hoped. Ample coverage is then also provided of statistical data analysis, a hazardous journey in itself, and the reporting of findings, with numerous examples and helpful tips of common downfalls throughout. Combining light humour, empathy with solid practical guidance to ensure a positive experience overall, Designing and Reporting Experiments will be essential reading for students in psychology and those in cognate disciplines with an experimental focus or content in research methods courses.

Author Biography

Andy Field and Graham Hole are both based in the Department of Psychology at the University of Sussex

Table of Contents

PART ONE: DESIGNING AN EXPERIMENT

Before You Begin

Planning an Experiment

Experimental Designs

PART TWO: ANALYZING AND INTERPRETING DATA

Descriptive Statistics

Inferential Statistics

Parametric Tests

Non-parametric Tests

Choosing a Statistical Test

PART THREE: WRITING UP YOUR RESEARCH

A Quick Guide to Writing a Psychology Lab-Report

General Points When Writing a Report

Answering the Question `Why?'

The Introduction Section

Answering the Question `How?'

The Method Section

Answering the Question `What Did I Find?'

The Results Section

Answering the Question `So What?'

The Discussion Section

Title, Abstract, Reference and Formatting

Example of an Experimental Write-Up