Not in the United States?Statistics As Principled Argument
- By Robert P. Abelson
Price: $36.00add to cart
This title is available at our discretion as an Inspection Copy to qualified adopters:
- Price: $36.00
- Binding: Paperback
- Pages: 240
- Published by: Psychology Press (formerly published by Lawrence Erlbaum Associates)
- Publication Date: 1st February 1995
- ISBN: 978-0-8058-0528-4
About the Book
In this illuminating volume, Robert P. Abelson delves into the too-often dismissed problems of interpreting quantitative data and then presenting them in the context of a coherent story about one's research. Unlike too many books on statistics, this is a remarkably engaging read, filled with fascinating real-life (and real-research) examples rather than with recipes for analysis. It will be of true interest and lasting value to beginning graduate students and seasoned researchers alike.The focus of the book is that the purpose of statistics is to organize a useful argument from quantitative evidence, using a form of principled rhetoric. Five criteria, described by the acronym MAGIC (magnitude, articulation, generality, interestingness, and credibility) are proposed as crucial features of a persuasive, principled argument.
Particular statistical methods are discussed, with minimum use of formulas and heavy data sets. The ideas throughout the book revolve around elementary probability theory, t tests, and simple issues of research design. It is therefore assumed that the reader has already had some access to elementary statistics. Many examples are included to explain the connection of statistics to substantive claims about real phenomena.
Reviews
“Everyone doing research or planning to do research should read this book. You will be surprised at how much you will learn.” - Psychological Science
“The book itself is the best demonstration of the validity of Abelson’s thesis. It proves that statistical issues can be addressed in an articulate, interesting, entertaining and persuasive way.” - British Journal of Mathematical & Statistical Psychology
“Abelson has, in brief, produced a thought-provoking synthesis of the woes and promises of much modern sychological statistics.” - British Journal of Psychology
Table of Contents
Contents: Preface. Abelson's Laws. Making Claims With Statistics. Elementary Arguments and the Role of Chance. Magnitude of Effects. Styles of Rhetoric. On Suspecting Fishiness. Articulation of Results: Ticks and Buts. Generality of Effects. Interestingness of Argument. Credibility of Argument.Customers who bought Statistics As Principled Argument also bought:
Best Practices in Teaching Statistics and Research Methods in the Behavioral Sciences
- Edited by Dana S. Dunn, Randolph A. Smith, Bernard C. Beins
This book provides a showcase for "best practices" in teaching statistics and research methods in two- and four-year colleges and universities.
A helpful resource for...
SPSS for Psychologists
- By Nicola Brace, Richard Kemp, Rosemary Snelgar
more information about SPSS for Psychologists
Applied Multivariate Statistics for the Social Sciences
- No Author/Editor data available
more information about Applied Multivariate Statistics for the Social Sciences
Interactions Between Short-Term and Long-Term Memory in the Verbal Domain
Embodiment, Ego-Space, and Action
Sign Up For Special Book Offers