Statistics and Data Analysis for Social Science

For a one-semester, undergraduate introductory course in social statistics. Statistical tools for understanding the social world. This first edition text seeks to answer the question, universally asked by the social science student, "Why statistics?" The author introduces only those statistical concepts that are necessary to understand, interpret, and present social science research. All concepts are introduced in the context of a social science application, and strong emphasis is placed on demonstrating what data "looks like," as opposed to giving theoretical explanations. Complexity of calculations is reduced to those elements necessary for understanding the statistical concept. Optional technology use is paired with the core elements of the course, making this text a pragmatic and engaging introduction to the practice of social statistics.IN THIS SECTION: 1.) BRIEF TABLE OF CONTENTS 2.) FULL TABLE OF CONTENTS BRIEF TABLE OF CONTENTS: Chapter 1: Concepts, Variables, and Measurement Chapter 2: Frequency Tables Introduction Chapter 3: Measures of Central Tendency Chapter 4: Measures of Dispersion Chapter 5: Probability and the Normal Curve Introduction Chapter 6: Probability- From Samples to Statistics Chapter 7: Crosstabulation Tables and Chi-Square (X2) Chapter 8: Measures of Association for Categorical Variables Chapter 9: Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) Chapter 10: Correlation and Regression COMPREHENSIVE TABLE OF CONTENTS: Chapter 1: Concepts, Variables, and Measurement Introduction Concepts Why Statistics? Variables Independent and Dependent Variables Measurement Graphical Representation of Data (What Data "look" Like) Validity and Reliability Individual Data Ecological Data Chapter Summary Chapter 2: Frequency Tables Introduction Toxic Waste and "Superfund" Frequency Tables Superfund Sites: Frequency Table for a Nominal Variable Frequency Table for an Ordinal Variable Frequency Table for an Interval/Ratio Variable Chapter Summary Chapter 3: Measures of Central Tendency Introduction Averages and Energy Consumption Definitions of Mode, Median, and Mean Calculating Measures of Central Tendency with Raw Data Calculating Measures of Central Tendency with Grouped Data Chapter Summary Chapter 4: Measures of Dispersion Introduction The Distribution of Education in the U.S. Range Interquartile Range Mean Deviation Variance and Standard Deviation Variance (S~) Standard Deviation (S) Standard Deviation and the Normal Curve Chapter Summary Chapter 5: Probability and the Normal Curve Introduction Intelligence, Life Chances, and Inequality The Fundamentals of Probability Probability Using Frequency Tables Probability and the Normal Curve Using Z-Scores to Find Percentiles Chapter Summary Chapter 6: Probability- From Samples to Statistics Introduction The Politics of Sampling: Global Warming and Political Party Sampling and Statistics The Standard Error of the Mean The Standard Error of the Proportion Other Confidence Intervals The t Distribution Hypotheses and Testing Differences between Means Potential Errors: Type I and Type II Chapter Summary Chapter 7: Crosstabulation Tables and Chi-Square (X2) Introduction The "Environmental Decade" and Environmentalism Data Presented in Crosstabulation Tables Crosstabulation and The Chi-Square Test of Statistical Significance (X2) Chapter Summary Chapter 8: Measures of Association for Categorical Variables Introduction Social Institutions and Social Control Nominal Measures of Association Ordinal Measures of Association Chapter Summary Chapter 9: Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) Introduction Smoking on Campus ANOVA Chapter Summary Chapter 10: Correlation and Regression Introduction Unequal America Scatterplots: The Underlying Logic behind Correlation Correlation Linear Regression Chapter Summary Appendix A: Statistical Tables Appendix B: Data Sets Appendix C: Getting Started Guide for SPSS Appendix D: Answers to Odd-Numbered Exercises