Overview
This third edition of the now-classic Methodological Issues and Strategies in Clinical Research is, like its predecessors, intended to assist students and professionals alike in increasing their mastery of the range of methodological approaches available with which to examine clinical issues and phenomena. Editor Alan E. Kazdin's goal is to foster a greater understanding of the implications of decisions about methodology and design in the context of contemporary research practices. Presented are articles on experimental design; the principles, procedures, and practices that govern research; assessment of study constructs and their interrelationships; potential sources of artifact and bias; methods of data analysis and interpretation; ethical issues; and publication and communication of research findings. The book's divisions mirror the logical and (often) the temporal order of the research process, focusing in turn on each step traversed during the course of an investigation.With 21 new articles and significantly revised and expanded introductory material, the third edition features many scholarly contributions that explicate core concepts, survey contemporary issues in research, and elaborate on ethical responsibilities in relation both to research participants and to science itself. Additions include articles on mediators and moderators of effects, on methods for studying the efficacy and effectiveness of psychotherapy, and on ways of incorporating systematic observation and evaluation into clinical practice to improve patient care. A key concept reiterated throughout is that methodology, far from being a neutral tool for acquiring knowledge, is rather a powerful contributor to and determinant of the knowledge that one obtains.
Incl. new material on mediators/moderators; methods of studying efficacy & effectiveness of psychotherapy etc.
Synopsis
Kazdin (Child Study Center, Yale U. School of Medicine) offers 39 readings (21 of which are new to this edition) selected to improve students' understandings of methodology and research practices in clinical psychology. The focus is on the dominant paradigm within clinical psychology. Separate sections cover the beginning of the research process, principles and practices of methods, assessment, data analysis and interpretation, ethics in research, and publication and communication. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Doody Review Services
Reviewer:Nicholas Greco IV, MS, BCETS, CATSM(Abbott Laboratories)
Description:This is the third edition of this widely popular book which brings forth a substantial amount of information enabling researchers and students to confidently increase their knowledge of clinical research methodology.
Purpose:The purpose of this book is to provide greater understanding of the strengths, limitations, and various options available within the realm of methodology while emphasizing current research practices. Considering the importance of research in the mental health field, this is a worthy objective.
Audience:This book will be beneficial to students and researchers across many disciplines including but not limited to psychology, psychiatry, nursing, public health, and social work. This book has obvious applications in academia as theory, research, and methodological applications are discussed. The contributing authors, including the editor, appear quite well-versed in this area and provide a solid base of knowledge to the reader.
Features:This book is over 900 pages long and quite extensive and detailed in its discussion on research methodology. Some highlights include a discussion of unified psychology, random sampling and randomization, ethic representation, validity and reliability, psychological testing and assessment, and ethics in research. The index and chapters are, for the most part, well-organized and amenable to detailed reference.
Assessment:This is without a doubt the most comprehensive and substantially worthwhile addition to the field in quite some time. This book captures the importance of focusing on the need for solid methodological planning and execution. Far too often there are a number of books which focus on only clinical and/or "hot" topics. Those in research and academia know that solid methodology always will stand the test of time and that is why this book will always have a place in the field and on the shelves of those in research and academia.
Editorials
From The Critics
Reviewer: Nicholas Greco IV, MS, BCETS, CATSM(Abbott Laboratories)Description: This is the third edition of this widely popular book which brings forth a substantial amount of information enabling researchers and students to confidently increase their knowledge of clinical research methodology.
Purpose: The purpose of this book is to provide greater understanding of the strengths, limitations, and various options available within the realm of methodology while emphasizing current research practices. Considering the importance of research in the mental health field, this is a worthy objective.
Audience: This book will be beneficial to students and researchers across many disciplines including but not limited to psychology, psychiatry, nursing, public health, and social work. This book has obvious applications in academia as theory, research, and methodological applications are discussed. The contributing authors, including the editor, appear quite well-versed in this area and provide a solid base of knowledge to the reader.
Features: This book is over 900 pages long and quite extensive and detailed in its discussion on research methodology. Some highlights include a discussion of unified psychology, random sampling and randomization, ethic representation, validity and reliability, psychological testing and assessment, and ethics in research. The index and chapters are, for the most part, well-organized and amenable to detailed reference.
Assessment: This is without a doubt the most comprehensive and substantially worthwhile addition to the field in quite some time. This book captures the importance of focusing on the need for solid methodological planning and execution. Far too often there are a number of books which focus on only clinical and/or "hot" topics. Those in research and academia know that solid methodology always will stand the test of time and that is why this book will always have a place in the field and on the shelves of those in research and academia.
Booknews
For those involved in training or research, provides readings designed to improve understanding of methodology and enhance research practices in clinical psychology. Addresses experimental design, principles, procedures, and practices that govern research, assessment, sources of artifact and bias, data analysis and interpretation, ethical issues, and publication and communication of the results of research. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)4 Stars! from Doody