At 02:07 PM 10/22/1999 -0400, you wrote:
>I'm trying to decide between The Psychologist as Detective (Smith & Davis)
>and Research Design & Methods: A Process Approach (Bordens & Abbott) for
>the course I teach in Experimental Psychology (Clinical Research). Any
>opinions on the two texts?
I'm currently using the Bordens & Abbott text in my general methods course
for the first time. So far the students seem to like (or at least tolerate)
the book, and with a class of 28 this is a good thing. The book does seem
to take a rather broad look at design issues, which I like. Also, the
chapters on stats tie in well with our program since most (3 of 4)
statistics classes use the Gravetter & Wallnau text that they reference
frequently.
I have noticed some areas where I would like the book to go into more depth
(e.g. calculation of reliability, threats to validity, etc.), but I can
also add that material in myself. Also, I tend to skip around in the
chapters somewhat. For example, I don't like the fact the chapter on APA
format is so near the end, so I actually covered it (along with the stats
chapters) in the first few weeks. (Their first big project is due at
mid-term, so I couldn't put this material of until the end.)
I looked at the Smith & Davis text, but can't remember exactly what I
thought about it.
Hope this helps...
- Marc
G. Marc Turner, MEd
Lecturer & Head of Computer Operations
Department of Psychology
Southwest Texas State University
San Marcos, TX 78666
phone: (512)245-2526
email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] or ...
