Experimental Psychology

Focusing on the various aspects of human behaviour, the book introduces the nature and theories of sensation, perception, learning, memory, psychophysics and other areas involved in psychology. It also highlights the importance of cognitive processes such as thinking, reasoning and problem-solving. Besides, the book provides essential knowledge and skills for using statistical tools in organising and computing research data. Designed in an easy-to-understand and illustrative manner, this book is primarily aimed at undergraduate students of psychology. The text will also prove useful to all those students who have been introduced with this subject for the first time.

Programming is an important part of experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience, and Python is an ideal language for novices. It sports a very readable syntax, intuitive variable management, and a very large body of functionality that ranges from simple arithmetic to complex computing. Python for Experimental Psychologists provides researchers without prior programming experience with the knowledge they need to independently script experiments and analyses in Python. The skills it offers include: how to display stimuli on a computer screen; how to get input from peripherals (e.g. keyboard, mouse) and specialised equipment (e.g. eye trackers); how to log data; and how to control timing. In addition, it shows readers the basic principles of data analysis applied to behavioural data, and the more advanced techniques required to analyse trace data (e.g. pupil size) and gaze data. Written informally and accessibly, the book deliberately focuses on the parts of Python that are relevant to experimental psychologists and cognitive neuroscientists. It is also supported by a companion website where you will find colour versions of the figures, along with example stimuli, datasets and scripts, and a portable Windows installation of Python.

This text is about doing science and the active process of reading, learning, thinking, generating ideas, designing experiments, and the logistics surrounding each step of the research process. In easy-to-read, conversational language, Kim MacLin teaches students experimental design principles and techniques using a tutorial approach in which students read, critique, and analyze over 75 actual experiments from every major area of psychology. She provides them with real-world information about how science in psychology is conducted and how they can participate. Recognizing that students come to an experimental design course with their own interests and perspectives, MacLin covers many subdisciplines of psychology throughout the text, including IO psychology, child psychology, social psychology, behavioral psychology, cognitive psychology, clinical psychology, health psychology, educational/school psychology, legal psychology, and personality psychology, among others. Part I of the text is content oriented and provides an overview of the principles of experimental design. Part II contains annotated research articles for students to read and analyze. Classic articles have been retained and 11 new ones have been added, featuring contemporary case studies, information on the Open Science movement, expanded coverage on ethics in research, and a greater focus on becoming a better writer, clarity and precision in writing, and reducing bias in language. This edition is up to date with the latest APA Publication Manual (7th edition) and includes an overview of the updated bias-free language guidelines, the use of singular "they," the new ethical compliance checklist, and other key changes in APA style. This text is essential reading for students and researchers interested in and studying experimental design in psychology.