Understanding Research in Clinical and Counseling Psychology

Understanding Research in Clinical and Counseling Psychology, Second Edition, is written and designed for graduate students in the psychology and counseling fields, for whom the value of psychological research is not always readily apparent. Contributed to by experts in their respective fields, this text presents research as an indispensable tool for practice, a tool that is used every day to advance knowledge and improve assessment, treatment choice, and client outcomes. The book is divided into four logical parts: Research Foundations, Research Strategies, Research Practice, and finally, Special Problems. Included is a chapter that addresses one of the most important controversies, the distinction between realistic and “gold standard” efficacy studies. The remainder of the book addresses salient issues such as conducting research in various cultures, operating an empirically-oriented practice, and performing research with families, children, and the elderly. Students and professors will find the coverage ample and penetrating, without being too overwhelming.

"There is no doubt that the book is a solid text that serves students in professional training programs quite well and it has likely done quite well in this market. It has been reported that the modal number of publications among professional clinical and counseling psychologists is zero and that the majority of practicing psychologists in these fields needs to know more about understanding research findings and learning how to conduct research in their practice settings. Certainly, this text has a place in this market and I know of no other texts with this explicit stated goal.The 2003 volume represents a constellation of chapters, many authored by recognized authorities in the field. The editors have done an exemplary job of identifying these individuals and helping them develop their chapters using a uniform style of presentation. Chapters are well written and a high level of scholarship is evident in all the contributed works."- Kevin Larkin, West Virginia University, “Finally – a graduate level text that covers research methodology, common strategies, and ethics, perfectly balancing scientific rigor and the vagaries of clinical practice. This book provides students with a solid background by which to begin their research careers, as both practitioners and consumers of science. It will become the gold standard for graduate courses in research methodology.” - Deborah C. Beidel, PhD, ABPP, Professor of Psychology, Director, Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, University of Central Florida, USA“This edited book is an excellent resource for graduate students in applied psychology programs and related fields. The chapters, which are well written, concise, and informative, will facilitate their understanding and appreciation of the research process.” - Rex Forehand, PhD, University Distinguished Professor of Psychology, University of Vermont, USA“Drs. Thomas and Hersen have organized an excellent and extremely useful guide for students of applied social sciences interested in the translation of research to practice. The text is eminently practical, combining excellent reviews of basic research principles followed by real world application of these principles. I particularly enjoyed the extremely well balanced chapter on efficacy vs. effectiveness research, and I think it would be fun for both students and professor alike to participate in a course designed around this book.” - Ron Acierno, PhD, Director, PTSD Clinical Team, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston; Professor, Psychiatry Medical University of South Carolina, USA

Jay C. Thomas, Ph.D., ABPP, is a Distinguished University Professor, Assistant Dean, and Director of the Counseling Program at the School of Professional Psychology at Pacific University. His research interests include applied research methodology, outcome studies, behavioral change, program development and evaluation, personnel selection, job stress, mental health and the workplace, and psychometrics.Michel Hersen, Ph.D., ABPP, is a professor and Dean at the School of Professional Psychology, Pacific University. His research interests include assessment and treatment of older adults, single care research, and administration.