Doing Social Psychology Research

This practical text introduces students to all the principal data collection methods and data analyses used in social psychology. Each chapter describes a particular method and shows how it can be applied to a research question. Methods presented include conducting surveys, constructing questionnaires, facilitating focus groups, running interviews, and using archival recordings. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis are detailed where appropriate. Topics used to illustrate these methods include identity processes, attribution, stereotyping, attitude change, social influence, communication, and group dynamics. Throughout, step-by-step exercises for students and notes for course leaders support the teaching and learning process.

Glynis M. Breakwell is Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bath. She is a social psychologist specializing in research and identity processes, risk communication, and military cultures. Her previous publications include Coping with Threatened Identities (1986), Interviewing (1990) and Research Methods in Psychology (with Sean Hammond and Chris Fife-Shaw, 1999).