Making Sense of Statistical Methods in Social Research is a critical introduction to the use of statistical methods in social research. It provides a unique approach to statistics that concentrates on helping social researchers think about the conceptual basis for the statistical methods they're using. Whereas other statistical methods books instruct students in how to get through the statistics-based elements of their chosen course with as little mathematical knowledge as possible, this book aims to improve students' statistical literacy, with the ultimate goal of turning them into competent researchers. Making Sense of Statistical Methods in Social Research contains careful discussion of the conceptual foundation of statistical methods, specifying what questions they can, or cannot, answer. The logic of each statistical method or procedure is explained, drawing on the historical development of the method, existing publications that apply the method, and methodological discussions. Statistical techniques and procedures are presented not for the purpose of showing how to produce statistics with certain software packages, but as a way of illuminating the underlying logic behind the symbols. The limited statistical knowledge that students gain from straight forward 'how-to' books makes it very hard for students to move beyond introductory statistics courses to postgraduate study and research. This book should help to bridge this gap.
"Making Sense of Statistical Methods in Social Research is a critical introduction to the use of statistical methods in social research.
In this section of the chapter, we organize our discussion through layers. The first layer has to do with the fixed or flexible nature of the design, and the second layer engages with specific types of designs. We find Colin Robson and ...
This book not only guides social scientists through different tests, but also provides students and researchers alike with information that will help them in their own practice.
The next three types of visualizations for presenting one number—pie charts, donut charts, and icon arrays—are best suited ... If, as in Figure 7.5, 10% of the target population is homeless, then by definition, 90% (= 100 – 10) are not ...
Shows them the meanings of the statistics they are computing. • This book is easy to digest because it is divided into short sections with review questions at the end of each section. • Running sidebars draw students’ attention to ...
Philosophical Magazine, 2(series 6) ̧ 559-572. Pearson, E. S., & Hartley, H. O. ... Schwarz, N., Knauper, B., Hippler, H.-J., Noelle-Neumann, E., & Clark, L. (1991). Rating scales: Numeric values may change the meaning of scale labels.
This text assumes no previous mathematical or statistical knowledge, taking the reader through each basic technique with step-by-step advice, worked examples, and exercises.
Mitchell , L. ( 1999 ) ' Combining focus groups and interviews : telling how it is ; telling how it feels ' , in S. Barbour and J. Kitzinger ( eds ) , Developing Focus Group Research : Politics , Theory and Practice . London : Sage .
It also offers statistical models for social support networks. Advances in Social Network Analysis is useful for researchers involved in general research methods and qualitative methods, and who are interested in psychology and sociology.
The Handbook serves as an invaluable resource for approaching research with an open mind. This volume maps the field of social research methods using an approach that will prove valuable for both students and researchers.