The Design of Experiments in Neuroscience / Edition 2

by Mary E. Harrington

Overview

"You are about to start on a great adventure. You are going to transition from reading about science to becoming a scientist."
-From the Preface

Using engaging, disarming prose, author Mary Harrington shows neuroscience students how to go about selecting a topic, designing an experiment, analyzing the results, and publishing a paper. This text effectively illustrates basic research methods and design principles by uniquely using relevant examples from neuroscience such as the principles of design of fMRI studies, the use of transgenic mice, and conditional gene knockouts. The author also addresses basic professional ethics, fundamental statistics and data analysis tools, the range of possible experimental designs (from simple descriptive studies to multifactorial designs), and ways to control unwanted variables and avoid common pitfalls.

This text is intended as either a core or supplemental text for both undergraduates and graduate students studying research methods in Neuroscience, Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, Neurochemistry, or Biological Psychology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781412974325
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	09/09/2010
Edition description:	Second Edition
Pages:	280
Product dimensions:	7.30(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Mary Harrington received a B.S. in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University, an M.A, in Psychology from the University of Toronto and a Ph.D. in Behavioral, anatomical and Physiological Studies from Dalhousie University in Canada. Currently, she is the Tippit Professor in the Life Sciences at Smith College in Massachusetts. In addition, she is a member of the Neuroscience and Behavior Program at the University of Massachusetts as Amherst and an Adjunct Member of the Center for Neuro-endocrine Studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Mary has published extensively in the Journals and has received research grants from NIH, NSF, Mellon Foundation and Pfizer. She is Associate Editor of the Journal of Neuroscience, Advisory Board Member for SOMAS (Support of mentors and their students in the neurosciences). She is an external reviewer for Neuroscience Program site visits and a Study Section Reviewer for NIH. She teaches various courses in the Psychology Department at both the undergraduate and graduate levels

Table of Contents

1. The Varieties of Scientific Experience
2. Ethics
3. Getting Started
4. Basic Research Designs
5. Controlling Extraneous Variables
6. More Than One Predictor Variable: Factorial Designs
7. Correlational Designs
8. Becoming an Independent Investigator
Appendix A: Working With Your Data
Appendix B: Writing a Research Paper
Appendix C: A Sample Paper
Appendix D: Review Questions and Exercises
Appendix E: Glossary
Appendix F: Answers to End-of-Chapter Questions
References

Editorial Reviews

'Building upon excellent previous editions, this third edition is an accessible exploration of the issues that modern neuroscience is confronting as the field focuses on issues of rigor and reproducibility to ensure accurate and well-designed experiments. Mary E. Harrington does an excellent job of preparing undergraduate neuroscience students for their scientific journey.' Julio J. Ramirez, R. Stuart Dickson Professor of Psychology and Director of the Neuroscience Program, Davidson College, North Carolina

'An essential resource for the advanced undergraduate or new graduate student entering a research laboratory. Written in an easy, conversational style and loaded with thought-provoking gems, I'll be recommending this book to students on my research team and colleagues in the field.' Keith A. Trujillo, Director of the Office for Training, Research and Education in the Sciences (OTRES), California State University, San Marcos

'Mary E. Harringon knows her audience. From the philosophies underlying science to clear explanations of cutting-edge methods, such as CRISPR and optogenetics, the book provides a framework for teaching and learning about how we must be prepared to be surprised when answering questions about the brain and behavior.' Erik Herzog, Washington University

'This is a strong update to an already excellent textbook. Methods and design is at the heart of neuroscience and Mary Harrington has given students a clear, concise guide to understanding the connections between design, data, and claims. It will help readers become savvy consumers and producers of neuroscientific research.' Robert Calin-Jageman, Neuroscience Program Director, Dominican University, Illinois

'Mary E. Harrington's book is a go-to resource for all budding neuroscientists. With an engagingly conversational style, the author demystifies the scientific method, explores thorny questions in research ethics, and provides practical advice on experimental design, data analysis, and communicating results. I highly recommend this book for both formal and informal instruction.' Cheryl Sisk, University Distinguished Professor, Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University

From the Publisher