Research Methods, Statistics, and Applications
Fourth Edition
- Kathrynn A. Adams - Guilford College
- Eva K. McGuire - Guilford College
January 2027 | 680 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
The fourth edition of Research Methods, Statistics, and Applications continues to bring methods and statistics together in a way that helps students see how research decisions unfold in practice. Written in a clear, conversational style, the text guides students step by step through the research process—from developing a question to selecting a design and choosing the appropriate analysis—so they can build both confidence and competence as emerging researchers. Grounded in real examples from across the social and behavioral sciences, the text emphasizes decision-making and application, encouraging students to actively engage with the material and think critically about research in academic, professional, and everyday contexts.
The Fourth Edition has been thoroughly updated to reflect current research practices and contemporary issues. New and revised examples incorporate recent literature, while expanded coverage of ethics—including guidance on the responsible use of artificial intelligence—helps students understand how ethical principles shape research choices throughout the process.
The Fourth Edition has been thoroughly updated to reflect current research practices and contemporary issues. New and revised examples incorporate recent literature, while expanded coverage of ethics—including guidance on the responsible use of artificial intelligence—helps students understand how ethical principles shape research choices throughout the process.
Preface
About the Authors
Chapter 1: Thinking Like a Researcher
Chapter 2: Build a Solid Foundation For Your Study Based on Past Research
Chapter 3: Select Your Tools: How To Measure Your Variables
Chapter 4: The Cornerstones of Good Research: Reliability and Validity
Chapter 5: Basics of Research Design: Description and Sampling
Chapter 6: Describing Your Sample
Chapter 7: Beyond Descriptives: Making Inferences Based on Your Sample
Chapter 8: Comparing Your Sample to a Known or Expected Score
Chapter 9: Examining Relationships Among Your Variables: Correlational Design
Chapter 10: Examining Causality: Experimental Design
Chapter 11: Independent-Groups Designs
Chapter 12: Dependent-Groups Designs
Chapter 13: Factorial Designs
Chapter 14: Nonparametric Statistics
Chapter 15: Focusing on The Individual: Case Studies and Single N Designs
Chapter 16: How to Decide?: Choosing a Research Design and Selecting the Correct Analysis
Appendix A: Answers to Practice Questions
Appendix B: Apa Style and Format Guidelines
Appendix C: Statistical Tables
Appendix D: Statistical Formulas
Glossary
References
Index