First Steps in Research and Statistics: A Practical Workbook for Psychology Students by Dennis Howitt – Master Quantitat

Introduction

For psychology students stepping into the world of research and statistics, the journey can often feel overwhelming. First Steps in Research and Statistics: A Practical Workbook for Psychology Students by Dennis Howitt is designed to transform that anxiety into confidence. Published by Routledge, this hardcover edition is a trusted companion for Indian undergraduates and postgraduates who need a clear, hands-on guide to mastering quantitative methods without assuming any prior knowledge.

Book Overview

This workbook takes a uniquely accessible approach to learning research methodology and statistics. Every stage of the research process is covered in a logical, step-by-step manner—from formulating your research questions to writing up your findings. The book is packed with practical worksheets, flow diagrams, and exercises that let you apply concepts as you learn. Whether you are preparing a dissertation, a class project, or simply building foundational skills, this book ensures you never feel lost.

Key Highlights

• No prior experience required – The book assumes zero background in statistics or research methods.
• Practical worksheets and flow diagrams – Visual guides help you choose the right statistical test and interpret results.
• Exercises with answers – Each chapter includes self-check questions to reinforce understanding.
• Focus on real research issues – Covers questionnaire design, ethics, sampling, reliability, and validity.
• Indian context-friendly – Examples and language are accessible to students across Indian universities.

Inside the Book

The book is structured to mirror the actual research process. You will start by learning how to frame clear research questions and hypotheses. Then, you move into selecting appropriate research designs and understanding key concepts like variables, scales of measurement, and sampling techniques. The middle sections guide you through conducting simple statistical tests to explore relationships (e.g., correlation, chi-square) and differences (e.g., t-tests, ANOVA). Finally, the book helps you present your data effectively and write a polished research report.

Key Topics

• Formulating research questions and hypotheses
• Choosing the right statistical test for your design
• Questionnaire design and ethical considerations
• Sampling methods and sample size determination
• Reliability and validity of measurements
• Descriptive statistics and data exploration
• Inferential statistics: t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, regression
• Writing up results and presenting statistical findings

Reader Benefits

• Build confidence – Step-by-step worksheets reduce fear of numbers.
• Save time – Flow diagrams help you quickly pick the right test.
• Improve grades – Exercises with answers ensure you master each concept before moving on.
• Apply immediately – Practical focus means you can use the skills in your own research projects.
• Affordable hardcover – Durable edition perfect for Indian libraries and personal collections.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workbook, you will be able to: design a basic quantitative study, choose and perform appropriate statistical tests, interpret SPSS or manual output, assess the reliability and validity of your measures, and write a clear research report with correctly formatted statistics. These outcomes align with typical B.A. and M.A. psychology curricula in Indian universities.

Who Should Read

• Psychology undergraduates – Ideal for B.A./B.Sc. students taking their first research methods course.
• Postgraduates new to statistics – M.A./M.Sc. students who need a refresher or a gentle introduction.
• Teachers and tutors – A valuable resource for designing classroom activities and assignments.
• Self-learners – Anyone interested in understanding psychological research without a formal class.

About the Author

Dennis Howitt is a renowned academic and author with decades of experience teaching research methods and statistics to psychology students. He has written several bestselling textbooks that demystify complex topics for learners worldwide. His clear, patient style makes him a favourite among students who struggle with numbers.

About the Publisher

Routledge is a leading global publisher of academic books, journals, and online resources in the social sciences, including psychology. Known for high-quality content and rigorous peer review, Routledge titles are widely prescribed in Indian universities and research institutions.

Conclusion

First Steps in Research and Statistics is more than a textbook—it is a mentor that walks with you through every twist and turn of your research journey. If you are a psychology student in India looking for a practical, reassuring, and thorough guide, this hardcover workbook belongs on your desk. Order your copy from Bookshops.in today and take your first step with confidence.