Hypothesis Testing and Model Selection in the Social Sciences

Examining the Major Approaches to Hypothesis Testing and Model Selection, this Book blends statistical theory with recommendations for practice, illustrated with real-world social science examples. It systematically compares classical (frequentist) and Bayesian approaches, showing how they are applied, exploring ways to reconcile the differences between them, and evaluating key controversies and criticisms. The book also addresses the role of hypothesis testing in the evaluation of theories, the relationship between hypothesis tests and confidence intervals, and the role of prior knowledge in Bavesian estimation and Bavesian hypothesis testing. Two easily calculated alternatives to standard hypothesis tests are discussed in depth: the Akaike information criterion (AJC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC). The companion website Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.) supplies data and syntax files for the book's examples.