Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences

Statistics for the Behavioural Sciences presents a complete introduction to both descriptive and inferential statistics using an informal, conversational approach that explains both why certain statistical methods are used, and how certain statistical methods are used, and how and when to apply them. Only a basic background in arithmetic and coordinate geometry is required, and an appendix on basic mathematical skills, with sample problems and solutions, is provided. In addition to end-of-chapter problems, a mixed set of review questions is given after every five or six chapters, with solutions provided for all problems. Statistics for the Behavioural Sciences is a substantially revised version of the authors' earlier book.

Table of Contents:
Preface; 1. A brief overview; 2. Distribution and their graphs; 3. Measures of central tendency; 4. Measures of variability and standard scores; 5. Correlation; 6. Simple linear regression; 7. Probability; 8. Theoretical probability models: the binomial and normal; 9. Inferential statistics: the logic and language of hypothesis testing; 10. The role of sampling in inferential statistics; 11. Inferences involving the mean when sigma is known; 12. Inferences involving the mean of one population when sigma is not known; 13. Inferences involving the means of two populations; 14. Inferences involving variances with one or two populations; 15. The treatment of correlation and linear regression in inferential statistics; 16. One-way analysis of variance; 17. Two-way analysis of variance; 18. Nonparametric methods when the dependent variable is at the nominal level; 19. Nonparametric methods when the dependent variable is at the ordinal level; Appendix; Solutions to end-of-chapter exercises; Solutions to review exercises; Tables; Index.

Review :
"The primary goal of the text is to provide a clear and intuitive approach to statistics. A mathematics background at the level of ninth-grade algebra is assumed of the reader. The book includes an Appendix on basic mathematical skills so that a reader can review without referring to another source. The volume is large but not formidable because of a high words-to-numbers ratio and an informal writing style. The book breaks from the more traditional approach found in many statistics texts which is to emphasize procedures over conceptual understanding. In this respect, the book does a good job of providing concrete examples and motivations for the appropriate use of a specific technique....a good choice as a textbook for an introductory statistics course in the social or behavioral sciences if an intuitive understanding is desired." John W. Young, Contemporary Psychology