The research methods of psychology and social science in the field of human sciences are very different from the methods of other empirical sciences. It is certainly not easy to try to understand the thoughts of another person, and it is even more difficult within a research when it comes to the thoughts and feelings of especially many people. Ultimately, there are many different, individual constructs to be researched, and each requires a different method.
When exactly does which method need to be used? By all means, data collection describes the most important field within the research process, but which steps have to be considered before and after? Under what regulations is it even possible to use different research methods, and when is research valid?
The chapters in the book deal with the following topics:
- The research process
- Investigation & Operationalization
- Data collection and data analysis
- Research methods
- Effect sizes, meta-analyses & models
Since it is not possible to write down every single method, as the number of research methods within empirical sciences is countless, this book aims to provide an insight into the different categories into which each research method can be divided.
Young researchers often find it difficult to navigate this vast universe of information. This book is thus intended to provide a first insight for students or those interested in the vast subject of research methods.
