Description

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.

Features

• Introduces only those statistical concepts that are necessary to understand, interpret, and present social science research
• Complexity of calculations are reduced to those elements necessary for understanding the concept
• All concepts are introduced in the context of a social science application; text regularly answers the question, “Why statistics?”
• Interspersed practice questions (with answers) provide incremental checks of student understanding
• Graphical presentation and emphasis on what data “looks like” takes the place of theoretical explanations
• Friendly, conversational writing style, and open, workbook-like design reduce anxiety
• Pedagogy features to help with student learning:
  • Now You Try It exercises: After a statistical concept is introduced, the student is given a few practice exercises to reinforce understanding. Answers to these exercises are provided at the end of the chapter.
  • Uses/Misuses: Encourages students to be informed consumers of statistical information, by giving real examples of how statistics can inform or deceive.
  • Eye on the Applied: Takes an important concept from the chapter and provides a case study example.
  • Integrating Technology boxes: Shows how statistical software can be used to analyze and display data.  Step-by-step instruction for SPSS will be provided in a supplementary technology manual.
• MySearchLab with eText can be packaged with this text.
  • MySearchLab provides engaging experiences that personalize learning, and comes from a trusted partner with educational expertise and a deep commitment to helping students and instructors achieve their goals.
  • eText – Just like the printed text, you can highlight and add notes to the eText or download it to your iPad.
  • Assessment – Chapter quizzes and flashcards offer immediate feedback and report directly to the gradebook.
  • Writing and Research – A wide range of writing, grammar and research tools and access to a variety of academic journals, census data, Associated Press newsfeeds, and discipline-specific readings help you hone your writing and research skills.

New to this Edition

This is a first edition text.

Table of Contents

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 Underlyin