Sherri Jackson's Research methods: a modular approach combines a lively writing style with a novel approach to offer a refreshing alternative for the research methods course. Topics are treated in relatively compact units that, though logically sequenced, can be used in any order. The critical thinking theme that threads through the book engages the reader and asks them to continually evaluate evidence. This brief yet comprehensive book covers all the basic principles of research methods in a format that affords maximum flexibility in teaching and while encouraging active learning.

Key Features

• Topics are treated in relatively compact units that follow a logical sequence for the course, however, they are written so that they can also be used in any order.
• critical thinking approach is imbedded in every module. This theme encourages the type of thinking that is necessary for effective research. There are critical thinking checks throughout each module continually ask students to evaluate evidence.
• A running marginal glossary of terms ensures that students understand the material as they read it.
• Review tables pull material together in a table format, making it easier for students to review material and to prepare for exams. These appear within every module.
• End-of-module material that includes, Summary, Review of Key Terms, Module Exercises, Critical Thinking Check Answers and web resources, supports active learning and increased comprehension of the material.
• Summary and Review material is included at the end of each Section. This material pulls together topics from the modules covered in that section so that students have a big picture view of what was covered in that Section, before they go on to the next set of modules.
• The approach is direct and inviting, the prose clear and user friendly. Explanations are simple and concise yet accurate. A popular tone, with reference to public figures and events, pervades the writing, inviting and engaging the reader. No attentive reader will have difficulty with this text.

• Section One: Thinking Like a Scientist.
• Module 1: Science and Psychology.
• Module 2: An Introduction to Research Methods.
• Section One Summary and Review
• Section Two: Getting Started.
• Module 3: Research Ideas..
• Module 5: Defining, Measuring, and Manipulating Variables
• Module 6: Reliability and Validity.
• Section Two Summary and Review.
• Section Three: Descriptive Methods.
• Module 7: Observation, Case Studies, Archival Method, and Qualitative Methods
• Module 8: Survey Methods.
• Section Three Summary and Review
• Section Four: Predictive (Relational) Methods
• Module 9: Correlational Methods.
• Module 10: Quasi-Experimental Designs.
• Module 11: Conducting Single-Case Research
• Section Four Summary and Review.
• Section Five: Explanatory Methods.
• Module 12: Between Participants Experimental Designs
• Module 13: Correlated-Groups and Alternative Experimental Designs
• Module 14: Advanced Experimental Designs.
• Section Five Summary and Review.
• Section Six: Statistical Concepts.
• Module 15: Data Organization and Descriptive Statistics I.
• Module 16: Descriptive Statistics II.
• Module 17: Inferential Statistics I-Hypothesis Testing.
• Module 18: Inferential Statistics II.
• Section Six Summary and Review.
• Section Seven: APA Communications Guidelines.
• Module 19:APA Communication Guidelines.
• Module 20: APA Sample Paper.
• Section Seven Summary and Review.
• Appendix: Statistical Tables.
• References.
• Glossary.
• Index.