Understanding Psychology as a Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Statistical Inference

What makes psychology a science?

What is the logic underlying psychological research?

In this groundbreaking book Zoltán Dienes introduces students to key issues in the philosophy of science and statistics that have a direct and vital bearing on the practice of research in psychology. The book is organised around the influential thinkers and conceptual debates which pervade psychological research and teaching but until now have not been made accessible to students. In a clear and fluid style, Dienes takes the reader on a compelling tour of the ideas of:

- Popper
- Kuhn& Lakatos
- Neyman& Pearson
- Bayes
- Fisher& Royall

Featuring examples drawn from extensive teaching experience to ground the ideas firmly in psychological science, the book is an ideal companion to courses and modules in psychological research methods and also to those covering conceptual and historical issues.