The main topics of study considered in light of the above learning outcomes are:Research philosophy (e.g. positivism, empiricism, naturalism)Formulating empirical research questions and conceptual research modelsCausality effects and relationshipsValidity and ReliabilityScales of measurement (e.g. nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio)Sampling methods (e.g. experiment, survey, observations) and measure instruments (e.g. Likert scales, semantic differential, event versus time sampling)Experimental design (e.g. within and between-subjects, factorial design, counter-balancing, Latin square)Biases in empirical research approaches (e.g. confounding variables, statistical power)Data preparation (e.g. standardization of data, reliability analysis, Inter-rater reliability)Hypothesis testing, t-test, (M)ANOVA, correlation, regression analysisNon-parametric approaches to data analysis

Psychology is designed to meet scope and sequence requirements for the single-semester introduction to psychology course. The book offers a comprehensive treatment of core concepts, grounded in both classic studies and current and emerging research. The text also includes coverage of the DSM-5 in examinations of psychological disorders. Psychology incorporates discussions that reflect the diversity within the discipline, as well as the diversity of cultures and communities across the globe.Senior Contributing AuthorsRose M. Spielman, Formerly of Quinnipiac UniversityContributing AuthorsKathryn Dumper, Bainbridge State CollegeWilliam Jenkins, Mercer UniversityArlene Lacombe, Saint Joseph's UniversityMarilyn Lovett, Livingstone CollegeMarion Perlmutter, University of Michigan