Cover image for Analyzing quantitative data  : from description to explanation
Title:
Analyzing quantitative data : from description to explanation
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Publication Information:
London : Sage Pubs, 2003
ISBN:
9780761967583

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30000010018033 HA29 B556 2003 Open Access Book Book
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Summary

Summary

What basic knowledge and skills do novice researchers in social science require? How can students be helped to over-come 'symbol phobia' or 'figure blindness'? This generous and constantly insightful book is designed for social researchers who need to know what procedures to use under what circumstances, in practical research projects. It accomplishes this without requiring an in-depth understanding of statistical theory, but also avoids both trivializing procedures or resorting to 'cookbook' techniques. Among the key features of the book are:- Accessibility- Organization of the wide, often bewildering array of methods of data analysis into a coherent and user-friendly scheme of classification: types of analysis and levels of measurement- Demystification - the first chapter unpacks commonly taken-for-granted concepts such as 'analysis', 'data' and 'quantitative'- Location of methods in real research problemsThe book is a triumphant introduction to the theory and practice of quantitative methods. It will quickly establish itself as essential reading for students doing social research throughout the social sciences.'With this book Norman Blaikie retains his reputation as the leading rapporteur and raconteur of social research methodology. With many other introductory texts, data analysis becomes just an exercise unto itself, and students (sometimes) learn to go through the motions without really knowing why. After working with Blaikie's text, novice researchers will know why quantitative inquiry is important' - Ray Pawson, University of Leeds


Reviews 1

Choice Review

Blaikie offers an excellent source of information for individuals doing quantitative research in the social sciences. It may be used as a resource for a course in quantitative data analysis or research methods in the social sciences or related disciplines such as nursing, political science, education, or business studies. Blaikie focuses on the theory of statistical procedures necessary for social research rather than on detailed statistical coverage or numerous statistical symbols. As a result, much of the anxiety is removed from the analysis stage of social research. This software-free book treats such topics as demystifying basic concepts in social research and date analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics, and data reduction. There are relevant tables and figures throughout the text as well as very detailed appendixes. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through professionals. D. J. Gougeon University of Scranton


Table of Contents

Introduction
About the Book
Social Research and Data Analysis
Demystifying Basic Concepts
Data Analysis in Context
Working with Two Data Sets
Descriptive Analysis - Univariate
Looking for Characteristics
Descriptive Analysis - Bivariate
Looking for Patterns
Explanatory Analysis
Looking for Influences
Inferential Analysis
From Sample to Population
Data Reduction
Preparing to Answer Research Questions
Real Data Analysis
Answering Research Questions