Methodological Issues and Strategies in Clinical Research » (3rd Edition)

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

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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.