Research in the Cloud

What is the best way to teach research methods? What facilitates students' learning and makes the course fun for teachers to teach? The answer is engaging in the research process.

While it may have been hard to give students experience conducting research in the past, that is no longer the case. Modern technology means that what once took an entire semester can now be accomplished in a typical class period. As a result, this book was written to facilitate project-oriented learning in research methods. There are two parts.

In Part I: Fundamentals of Behavioral Research students learn the core principles of research methods. Everything from scientific reasoning to measurement to variations of experimental design is covered with activities that allow students to connect the ideas they learn about with the research projects they engage in. Part I is a complete research methods course.

In Part II: Conducting Online Research students learn how to successfully conduct online research. Written as a guide, Part II covers where to find participants, how to assess and protect data quality, how to best design surveys, how to submit an IRB application, and how to write about data.

Whether used for undergraduate or graduate methods, this book helps students understand behavioral research, gain familiarity with modern tools, and develop the practical skills needed to succeed by repeatedly engaging in research activities. It is the best way to learn, and it is the best way to teach.