Exploring Data: An Introduction to Data Analysis for Social Scientists

Catherine Marsh

ISBN 10: 0745622836 / ISBN 13: 9780745622835

Published by Polity 2008-12-14, 2008

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 6666-IUK-9780745622835

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Exploring Data: An Introduction to Data Analysis for Social Scientists
• Publisher: Polity 2008-12-14
• Publication Date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0745622836
• ISBN 13: 9780745622835
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

The updated edition of this classic text introduces a range of techniques for exploring quantitative data. Beginning with an emphasis on descriptive statistics and graphical approaches, it moves on in later chapters to simple strategies for examining the associations between variables using inferential statistics such as chi squared. The book has been substantially revised to include the most recent approaches to data analysis, and includes step-by-step instructions on using SPSS. All these techniques are illustrated with intriguing real examples, drawn from important social research over the past three decades, designed to illuminate significant sociological and political debates.

The book shows how students can use quantitative data to answer various questions:

Is it true that the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer?

Are crime rates really going down, and how can we tell?

How much alcohol do men and women really drink in an average week?

Which country in Europe has the highest average working hours?

Readers are encouraged to explore data for themselves, and are carefully guided through the opportunities and pitfalls of using statistical packages, as well as the numerous data sources readily available online.

Suitable for those with no previous experience of quantitative data analysis, the second edition of Exploring Data will be invaluable to students across the social sciences.

Download answers to exercises in book.

About the Author

Jane Elliott is Research Director, Centre for Longitudinal Studies at the Institute of Education.