Dear Tipsters,
The important topics of research methods, statistics and
psychometrics are linked and ought to be presented to students
studying psychology. However, preferences vary on how this is
accomplished. Some professors want methods and statistics in the same
book; some want methods and psychometrics, but no statistic; some
want statistics and psychometrics but no methods. I do not think that
it is appropriate to label any book 'bad" because one of these topics
is missing. The book you choose will depend on the structure of your
programme and how you wish to teach your courses.
For example, we teach a cycle of statistics, methods and
psychometrics like this:
Statistics I
then
Methods I and Statistics II together (two separate courses both
taken by students)
then
Psychometrics
then Methods II and Statistics III (not necessarily together).
Statistics courses emphasize statistics (psychometrics is mentioned
very briefly).
Methods courses emphasize methods but use the statistics already
taught. In Cronbach terms, individual differences(denominator of the
t-test) are "error."
Psychometrics concentrates on measurement of individual
differences (including the levels/stats.debate) and test properties,
with only relevant statistics included (correlation, SE, e.g.). The
independent variables of methods (numerator of the t-test) is now
"error.".
So we look for texts that meet our needs. Don McBurney's is just fine
for both of our methods courses, because it has only a little
statistics (nice summary) and only a little discussion of
psychometrics.
Stuart
___________________________________________________
Stuart J. McKelvie. Ph.D., Phone: (819)822-9600
Department of Psychology, Extension 2402
Bishop's University, Fax: (819)822-9661
Lennoxville, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Quebec J1M 1Z7,
Canada.
Bishop's University Psychology Department Web Page:
http://www.ubishops.ca/ccc/div/soc/psy
___________________________________________________
