Research Methods for Clinical and Health Psychology
- David F Marks - Arles, France
- Lucy Yardley - University of Southampton, UK
- John Hegarty, THES
This textbook offers an excellent introduction to the variety of research methods used within the fields of clinical and health psychology. The book provides a detailed, yet concise, explanation of both qualitative and quantitative approaches and draws upon case-study examples to illustrate how these can be used in a variety of health-care settings, with special relevance to clinical disorders, disease prevention and health promotion.
Key features of the book include:
- A clear and concise narrative
- Real-life case studies and examples drawn from clinical practice.
- Revision questions in each chapter
- Boxes, diagrams and tables to highlight key points
- Chapter outlines, summaries and a glossary of useful terms to help students and researchers with independent study and learning.
Research Methods for Clinical and Health Psychology fulfils the demand for a textbook explaining how qualitative and quantitative methods can be used explicitly in a health psychology context. It will be invaluable reading for clinical and health psychology students, trainees and practitioners, as well as those in nursing, medical and other healthcare departments taking an advanced psychology option.
'The books gives a detailed treatment of a range of important methods. It will strike a chord with applied psychologists in particular - but will also be of interest to healthcare professionals generally
If you are teaching postgraduate research methods courses, including those aimed at a mixture of psychologists and other health professionals, this book is worth considering as a core text'
- John Hegarty, THES
'Most texts on research methods focus either on qualitative approaches or on quantitative approaches. A unique feature of this book is that the editors and authors are experts on both qualitative and quantitative methods, and that these two approaches to research in clinical and health psychology are given equal weight. The philosophy that guides this book is that different methods have different advantages and are used for different purposes, but that the understanding of substantive research issues such as medication adherence can benefit from the use of multiple methods. The methods are described in sufficient detail that readers can learn how to apply them without needing to consult other sources'
-Stephen Sutton, University of Cambridge
A strong addition to the sources used by dissertation students
Comprehensive and succinct overview of the various methods used in a field which consists of both qualitative and quantitative research. Could be used in order to develop understanding with students about how to conduct accurate research in a variety of settings. Examples and case studies provide excellent outlines to good practice.
A very readable introduction to a range of research methods, arguably useful to psychologists beyond the two braches of psychology mentioned in the title. Written by experts in the different areas, it is a helpful and solid starting point for developing robust research designs and engaging with relevant ideas around the process of doing research.
Well-structured chapters that allow the reader to choose without having to read the entire book.
Each theme is described briefly in a balanced way and facilitating the choice of methodology.
This is an authoritative text which impresses in breadth and depth of coverage of essential research methods.
I had two reservations regarding adoption of the book for our MSc course. Firstly, I wasn't sure of the intended audience. As a textbook, one presumes it would be aimed at students, but Chapter 2, which describes procedures involved in applying for research funding, seemed to speak more to early-career post-doctoral researchers. Secondly, with regards to collecting and analysing primary data. qualitative methods feature more prominently and in more depth (5 chapters) than do quantitative methods (3 chapters).
I'll be recommending students consult chapters from this text for additional reading on the qualitative component of their course.
Great explanation of qualitative methods, and how to collect and analyse qualitative data.
