Calculating and Computing for Social Science and Arts Students: An Introductory Guide

Social science and arts students are often resistant to, or have difficulties with, numbers and computers. Increasingly, however, maths and computers are part and parcel of their studies. This much-needed text is a simple reader-friendly introduction to the mathematics and computing skills that undergraduates in the social sciences and arts are likely to need in their courses. It will be helpful to even the most number-fearful student! The first part takes the reader through the basics of arithmetic, algebra and the application of statistical methods to social science and arts subjects. Examples are provided throughout, and they are designed to be relevant to both study and everyday life. The second part illustrates the basic features of computing and takes the reader through the applications that he or she is likely to need. Word-processors, spreadsheets, databases and statistical packages are all described and discussed in a practical way. Once again, relevant examples are provided at all stages, giving the reader a thorough appreciation of how computers can assist with both study and everyday life. This introductory guide will be useful to nearly all students of the arts and social sciences, and will be of particular value as a set textbook for lecturers involved in running supplemental instruction programmes.

Robert Solomon teaches for the Open University and for the Working Men's College in Camdon, of which he is the Dean.