Data Analysis for the Social Sciences: Integrating Theory and Practice

Accessible, engaging, and informative, this text will help any social science student approach statistics with confidence.

With a well-paced and well-judged integrated approach rather than a simple linear trajectory, this book progresses at a realistic speed that matches the pace at which statistics novices actually learn. Packed with global, interdisciplinary examples that ground statistical theory and concepts in real-world situations, it shows readers not only how to apply newfound knowledge using IBM® SPSS® Statistics, but also why they would want to. Spanning statistics basics like variables, constants, and sampling to t-tests, multiple regression, and factor analysis, it builds statistical literacy while also covering key research principles like research questions, error types, and results reliability.

Readers will learn how to:

• Describe data with graphs, tables, and numbers
• Calculate probability and value distributions
• Test a priori and post hoc hypotheses
• Conduct Chi-squared tests and observational studies
• Structure ANOVA, ANCOVA, and factorial designs

Supported by extensive visuals and a companion website with interactive demonstrations, author video, and practice datasets, this book is the student-focused companion to support learners through their statistics journeys.