Understanding Statistics An Introduction for the Social Sciences [Hardcover]

The book is divided into four sections. Part One explains the theoretical relationship between statistics and research, outlining the place of statistics in the research process and introducing hypothesis testing. In Part Two the two t-tests are described in detail. This serves as a foundation for the rest of the book and develops skills that are called upon in later chapters. Part Three outlines the three main families of statistical tests - regression, analysis of variance, aIn this comprehensive introduction to using statistics in the social sciences, Daniel B Wright describes the most popular statistical techniques, explaining their basic principles and demonstrating their use in a wide range of social research.

The book is divided into four sections. Part One explains the theoretical relationship between statistics and research, outlining the place of statistics in the research process and introducing hypothesis testing. In Part Two the two t-tests are described in detail. This serves as a foundation for the rest of the book and develops skills that are called upon in later chapters. Part Three outlines the three main families of statistical tests - regression, analysis of variance, a`I found this book very well written and I enjoyed reading it. I particularly liked the use of humour, a welcome addition in an area which is all too often dry and humourless. The examples chosen to illustrate statistical techniques are appropriate, often entertaining and capture the reader's interest. The author is obviously knowledgeable and I could find no major errors in the material presented.