Research in the Cloud Lab Manual Cover

Research In The Cloud: A Guide To Online Behavioral Science

Leonardo da Vinci once studied the tongue of a woodpecker simply because he wanted to know how it worked. The name Einstein is universally synonymous with genius, yet Einstein considered curiosity to be his greatest strength, writing “I have no special talents, I am only passionately curious.” Research in the Cloud is not your typical research methods textbook. Instead, it’s an innovative, project-based guide to learning about behavioral science and online research that seeks to engage students by doing one thing: sparking their curiosity for discovering new things.

What Makes This Book Different:

Instead of just reading about research methods, students who use this book will actively conduct their own projects using online tools. Each chapter in Part I—which covers the basic concepts of research methods—includes hands-on activities that bring concepts to life. The activities contain videos and discussion questions that guide students through each concept and draw on what are considered the best practices of teaching pedagogy. After students learn the basics of behavioral research, Part II guides them through how to conduct their own online studies with the knowledge and skill of a seasoned professional.

Part I: Hands-On Research Foundations

The first several chapters introduce research methods through active learning. Students will:

Experience research firsthand as participants
Program their own surveys using professional tools
Design and conduct real studies
Analyze actual data
Part II: Mastering Online Methods

Building on these foundations, the second half provides a comprehensive guide to conducting research in the digital age. Perfect for advanced students and even for professional researchers, it covers:

Finding and managing online participants
Ensuring data quality in digital environments
Programming professional-grade online studies
Data cleaning and analysis best practices
Practical implementation of research methods online

Perhaps one of the best things about Research in the Cloud  in terms of student learning is that the book will be published open-access through Cambridge University Press. Open-access publishing removes financial barriers for students and helps the authors of the book better support professors and instructors who choose to adopt the text.

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