How to Design and Report Experiments
- Andy Field - University of Sussex, UK
- Graham Hole - University of Sussex, UK
Experimental Design
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.
This book is highly recommended for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students and even trainee clinical psychologists who need a quick revision of statistical concepts and experimental designs. My only regret was not purchasing this book during my early Undergraduate years, I have read and re-read countless books on the same phenomena, and despite the detail these books comprise of, they have never been able to impact on me the way this book has. Without sounding too much like a cliché’, if your only ever going to buy one statistical and research book, it has to be this one. Consider this the bible of all things statistically related!
M. L
Psych Me Up!
I strongly recommend this book. The all-important steps of defining the research question and choosing an appropriate method are clearly written by these experienced authors and by doing so provide a framework, which if followed, would avoid many of the common difficulties encountered by those in training. The book is a succinct, clear, and readable treatise on this extremely important area. It should prove to be invaluable to researchers, practicing social scientists, students and anyone involved in the design and reporting of experiments
Social Psychological Review
This book is a must for any one doing experimental research
Chose another text
A simple, step-by-step guide to designing and reporting experiments.
The book is well laid out with clear sections and practical, sensible advice for students in the field of Psychology. Although it is fairly detailed, the subdivisions make it easy to find the most relevant points at different parts of the research process which is appealing. I am sure it will provide valuable assistance at all stages of the project from design, data collection and writing up. The format presented in the book matches exactly what we would expect from written reports and so should be a useful guide enabling students to produce the best written work possible.
\How to design and report experiments\" is an excellent and useful book. It provides clear guidance for analyzing and interpreting data and writing up your research. My students love the funny examples."
Extremely useful book.
This is an excellent and well written book by the same author as Discovering Statistics Using SPSS by Andy Field.
I was so impressed by Dr. Field's book that I wanted to see if his earlier work was of the same quality. It is! I have recommended this book to my RES 714 Quantitative Methods & Statistical Analysis class, as well as all my dissertation students.
One additional recommendation is to see the book updated to a newer edition. Original copyright is 2003.
extremely useful book, well written and detailed.
This book explains the basics of experimental methodology. It seems to be written for undergraduate psychology students and for that group I would say both the writing style and the level is appropriate, clear and concise. It describes in clear terms the different steps of theorising and designing experimental research which is a useful practical guide for students. Most of my teaching is at the MSc and PhD level. I'll recommend it for those who find the other texts on the course to complex and need a starter on experimental methods, I do not consider it advanced enough or written in a style appropriate for that level.
