What factors influence our behaviors and thoughts? Answers to such questions can only be obtained through the scientific method. The core of experimental psychology is the proper use of the scientific method to accurately explore the internal workings of the mind and the behaviors that arise from them.

Therefore, its focus is on conducting well-designed experiments based on clearly defined hypotheses, so that theories can be developed allowing someone to describe, explain, predict, and even change human behavior. This book employs an example-based approach to the fundamental principles of research methodology covering a wide range of topics from psychophysics to social psychology and human factors. An important book for anyone interested in psychology as a field of sound science.

Contents

• About the authors
• Foreword
• PART A The foundations of research
• CHAPTER 1 Explanation in the science of psychology
• CHAPTER 2 Research methods: observation and correlation
• CHAPTER 3 Research methods: experiments
• CHAPTER 4 Ethical issues in psychological research
• CHAPTER 5 How to read and write research papers
• PART B Principles and practices of experimental psychology
• CHAPTER 6 Psychophysics
• CHAPTER 7 Perception
• CHAPTER 8 Attention and reaction time
• CHAPTER 9 Learning and conditioned learning
• CHAPTER 10 Memory and forgetting
• CHAPTER 11 Thinking and problem-solving
• CHAPTER 12 Individual differences and development
• CHAPTER 13 Social psychology
• CHAPTER 14 Environmental psychology
• CHAPTER 15 Human factors
• Appendix
• Bibliography
• Glossary
• Name index
• Subject index