How to Use Psychological Research

Book excerpt: Knowing how to find, analyse, and write about research papers is a foundational skill of your psychology degree that will set you up to ace your assessments. This book equips you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to effectively use psychological research in your essays and reports. Using annotated examples and written in an accessible and interactive style that presumes no prior knowledge of psychology, it demonstrates how to glean exactly what you need from research papers to convey your points without getting side-tracked, allowing you to showcase your understanding of key concepts. How to Use Psychological Research is essential reading at the start of your degree and a useful guide for assessments throughout your studies. Amanda Morris is a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Essex and an Associate Lecturer at the Open University. Tracey Elder is a Senior Lecturer and Staff Tutor at the Open University.