Simple Statistics: Applications in Social Research

The efficient use of statistics can transform excellent research into dynamic, persuasive scholarship. To demystify the process of calculating data, Simple Statistics: Applications in Social Research provides a concise introduction to basic social statistics.

In this innovative text, authors Terance D. Miethe and Jane Florence Gauthier illustrate how verbal statements and other types of material are converted into statistical codes, measures, and variables. To give students a sense of the "big picture," they clearly explain the relationship between research and statistics. Moreover, they focus on essential techniques rather than attempting to provide an intimidating, encyclopedic sweep of statistical procedures.

Written in a conversational tone, this invaluable resource does not talk down to students; instead, the authors clearly demonstrate the value of statistical thinking and reasoning in specific contexts. While most statistics texts focus primarily on how to do statistical procedures, they neglect to explain why we do them. This unique book covers both the how and why of statistics, preparing students to be better-informed, conscientious researchers. At the end of each chapter, a set of problems provides a rich context for social inquiry, challenging students to directly apply--and think critically--about what they've learned.

Throughout, the authors use hand computation methods to demonstrate how to apply various statistical procedures, and each procedure is illustrated by several helpful examples. In addition, each book is packaged with a user-friendly CD-ROM, which provides a step-by-step guide to using SPSS to perform the analyses described in the text. Detailed summaries, lists of key terms, and major formulas are included at the end of each chapter, and a comprehensive Instructor's Manual is also available.

A lively introduction to a complex subject, Simple Statistics is a vital resource for understanding the fascinating world of social statistics.

Terance D. Miethe is Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He is author of Simple Statistics: Applications in Criminology and Criminal Justice (OUP, 2006) and coauthor of many books, including Crime Profiles: The Anatomy of Dangerous Persons, Places, and Situations (OUP, 2005).

Jane Florence Gauthier is Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her current research interests focus on gender differences in criminal offending and issues surrounding community structure and crime.