Becoming a Behavioral Science Researcher

“This book represents an insightful perspective on many topics related to beginning a behavioral science research career….The domain of behavioral science is expanding to data science, big data, and data analytics, artificial intelligence, and the behavior of machines. Kline focuses on many issues that are central to psychology, as well as other disciplines….The book showcases the author’s depth of understanding of many aspects of behavioral science research as well as expertise reflected in his research and publications. Kline authoritatively presents a well-organized review and analysis of important issues in behavioral science research.”

—Family and Consumer Research Journal


“An extremely flexible resource that can be used in a variety of classes….Because of Kline's wonderfully comprehensive work, the book is an easy reference for all researchers looking for more modern approaches to research design and analysis. Even the most informed psychologist is likely to learn something by reading this book....A superb resource for students and teachers alike....It would enhance any psychology curriculum and help the students of today become first-rate researchers of tomorrow.”

—PsycCRITIQUES (on the first edition)


“This could easily be a standalone book for a course or seminar as well as a supplemental text for any graduate or advanced level course in research methods....I love this book.”

—Doody's Review Service (on the first edition)


“Recommended. Graduate students through researchers and faculty.”

—Choice Reviews (on the first edition)


“This book is perfect for upper-level undergraduate or graduate-level thesis students. Kline takes the next step in treating psychology as a science. He argues for thoughtful, rigorous, and transparent research, because it will make our knowledge base more reproducible. He argues for effect size estimation taking precedence over significance testing, because a mature science asks not 'Yes or no?,' but rather 'How much?' I know of no other intermediate-level text that places front and center the need to register and replicate research, to prepare reports using disciplinary guidelines, and to share data. It is wonderful to see these developments making their way into a text meant to teach the fundamentals of research design and analysis. This is truly a new book for a new time.”

—Harris M. Cooper, PhD, Hugo L. Blomquist Professor, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University


“An outstanding book is now even better! In the decade since the first edition, we’ve seen the replication crisis and, in reply, the rise of open science. Researchers now need a deep understanding of preregistration, replication, the new statistics, the dangers of p hacking, and much, much more. Kline once again speaks with great authority and clarity in providing the ideal guide for beginning researchers finding their way in a rapidly changing research world. Every graduate student and postdoc in psychology needs this book as a constant companion. It will also be of great value for education and other social and behavioral sciences.”

—Geoff Cumming, DPhil, Professor Emeritus, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia


“This book is different in that it bridges the gap between how research methods are traditionally taught and how they are put into practice. As such, it can help researchers apply the concepts they are learning about. I applaud the updated coverage of qualitative studies and the practical information about what researchers should know about significance testing. This information fills in concepts that are sometimes missing in graduate research education.”

—Julie Peterson Combs, EdD, Department of Educational Leadership, Sam Houston State University


“Kline’s writing is excellent and entertaining. In the second edition, the chapter on research crises is excellent and much needed, and the open-science chapter provides great database resources for students. I use this book as a supplemental text in my classes and recommend it to colleagues.”

—Craig D. Marker, PhD, Department of Clinical Psychology, Mercer University


“This excellent resource supports students' evolving understanding of the planning, implementation, and analysis of independent research. For example, the chapter on analysis leads readers through a step-by-step process of thinking about their data. I recommend Kline’s book for both class use and independent honors, master’s thesis, and dissertation guidance. It is a 'must read' for my students at all levels.”

—Diana P. F. Montague, PhD, Department of Psychology, La Salle University