Psychology Research Methods is a foundational textbook designed for undergraduate and graduate psychology students studying research methodology. The book introduces the theory and practice of research methods in psychology, addressing primarily quantitative and qualitative approaches.

A unique feature of the text is its emphasis on the way in which social science researchers can utilise research methods to respond to contexts characterised by power imbalances, socio-economic disparities, and other inequalities. It frames research as a socially situated process that acknowledges the perspectives of the researched communities.

Ethical considerations are interwoven throughout the text, framing ethicality as a core aspect of both the researcher’s identity and the broader knowledge-production process. This ethical grounding reinforces the book’s commitment to social justice and its vision of research as a tool for meaningful societal transformation.

Case studies and practical exercises give students a feel for what real research is and illustrate how traditional methods can be creatively transformed to become more African-centred. This develops students’ critical thinking skills preparing them to identify, select, and apply contextually relevant methods to solve real-world problems. Students are encouraged to reflect on research methods, i.e., on what they are doing and why, rather than uncritically consume theory and processes.

The book provides a contextual way of utilising research methods to conduct socially relevant research in South Africa, which could extend across global contexts.

Table of Contents:

Chapter 1. Contextualising the research process and practice.
Chapter 2. How do we know what we know?
Chapter 3. Research ethics in context: Toward a decolonial approach to ethicality.
Chapter 4. What to research: Formulating questions and assumptions.
Chapter 5. Establishing a blue print: Research design for quantitative research.
Chapter 6. Research design for qualitative and mixed methods.
Chapter 7. The ‘who’ in psychological research: Choosing your sample.
Chapter 8. Data collection methods: Surveys and measurement.
Chapter 9. Applying psychometric principles to measures.
Chapter 10. Data collection methods in qualitative research.
Chapter 11. Data collection using AI, social media, and technological tools.
Chapter 12. Establishing rigour in quantitative and qualitative research.
Chapter 13. Quantitative data analysis: Preparing data and descriptive statistical analysis.
Chapter 14. Quantitative data analysis: Inferential data analysis.
Chapter 15. Analysing qualitative data.
Chapter 16. Final steps: Writing up your research.

Appendix: Research in context: Participatory Action Research and co-design.