Hi all

I'm doing a PhD related to psychology and am using Coolican's Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology for my info on stats and research methods. Is this enough for PhD level?

If not can anyone recommend a book that goes into sufficient detail for this level of research?

Thanks

Hi
I'm not familiar with the Coolican book myself, but the stats text I have is David Howell's 'Statistical Methods for Psychology', which is a good resource but not exactly a fun read. A lot of people in Psychology rate Andy Field's stuff (which I've not used myself yet, but am going to have a look at - if you google him, he has a blog called Statistics Hell).

Field's books (2009 and 2011) on statistics are very good, especially if you intend to use SPSS and want a broad introduction of the more advanced techniques. It also provides good references for further reading throughout the text so that you can delve in greater depth once you feel comfortable with basics. I'd also recommend sourcing a statistician from your department who is independent to your PhD, who would be willing to have a look at your plan for analysis, as supervisors sometimes will have preferences for certain techniques. It is always helpful to get an external perspective on potential weaknesses of employing them.

Hope this helps.