This book introduces contextualism, an emerging paradigm that has generated much interest and excitement in psychology, sociology, communications research, and other areas of behavioral science. Unlike behaviorism which tries to predict behavior based on a specific set of variables, contextualism asserts that human beings react and learn in a variety of situations and there is no single best kind of behavior. They challenge the man as machine view of behavior.

ALERT: Before you purchase, check with your instructor or review your course syllabus to ensure that you select the correct ISBN. Several versions of Pearson's MyLab & Mastering products exist for each title, including customized versions for individual schools, and registrations are not transferable. In addition, you may need a CourseID, provided by your instructor, to register for and use Pearson's MyLab & Mastering products. Packages Access codes for Pearson's MyLab & Mastering products may not be included when purchasing or renting from companies other than Pearson; check with the seller before completing your purchase. Used or rental books If you rent or purchase a used book with an access code, the access code may have been redeemed previously and you may have to purchase a new access code. Access codes Access codes that are purchased from sellers other than Pearson carry a higher risk of being either the wrong ISBN or a previously redeemed code. Check with the seller prior to purchase. -- Continuing the Chain of Discovery and Understanding Beginning Behavioral Research introduces students to the broad base and conceptual underpinnings of basic principles of ethical research with human participants from (a) the development of ideas and testable hypotheses, to (b) the selection of appropriate methods of measurement and data collection, to (c) the design and implementation of empirical research, to (d) the statistical analysis and interpretation of results, and finally, to (e) the reporting of findings and conclusions. The authors emphasize good research, empirical reasoning, and the continuity of psychological science in the continuing cycle of discovery and understanding. The beginning in the title of this text is intended to have a double meaning. It not only describes the level of the material but also conveys the idea of a journey. For some students, the journey will be completed at the end of the course in which this text is used. For others, the journey will have just begun. In either case, students will have a deeper understanding of the applicability and limits of the scientific method. They will also have learned how to frame questions about the scientific results they read or hear about in the media in ways that will allow them to reach beyond other people's conclusions or assertions and decide for themselves what is true. Additional Learning Goals Upon completing this book, students who are expected to conduct a research study should be able to: Craft a research idea that can be empirically tested Choose methods of data collection and measurement Develop a research proposal Design and implement the research study Approach the research data Test and evaluate hypotheses and explore the results Report the research project in the APA style