Creating Models in Psychological Research

This concise reference serves as a companion to traditional research texts by focusing on such essentials as model construction, robust methodologies and defending a compelling hypothesis. Designed to wean Master's and doctorate-level students as well as new researchers from their comfort zones, the book challenges readers to engage in multi-method approaches to answering multidisciplinary questions. The result is a step-by-step framework for producing well-organized, credible papers based on rigorous, error-free data. 

The text begins with a brief grounding in the intellectual attitude and logical stance that underlie good research and how they relate to steps such as refining a topic, creating workable models and building the right amount of complexity. Accessible examples from psychology and business help readers grasp the fine points of observations, interviewing, simulations, interpreting and finalizing data and presenting results. Fleshed out with figures, tables, key terms, tips, and questions, this book acts as both a friendly lecturer and a multilevel reality check.

Olivier Mesly obtained a doctorate in marketing after which he completed a post-degree term at HEC Montreal. His area of specialization- the emotional relationship between sellers and buyers- eventually focused on one particular area of interest: the psychology of investors. He has written a number of scientific articles on behavioral finance and his approach has found applications not only is psychology, but also in the legal field and project management. He works closely with a number of psychologists and is involved in many research activities including in virtual reality and f MRI as well as being a member of the LAPS (Laboratory for psychoneuroendocrinological analyses). He recently won the best presentation award at the Psychology outside the Box forum held in Ottawa in 2014.