This refreshing new textbook offers a clear and approachable introduction to quantitative methods, using a project-based approach while presenting examples in both SPSS and Excel. The author’s extensive knowledge and succinct writing style guide you through the process of undertaking a quantitative research project step by step, from developing good research questions and preparing data for analysis to explaining how to present data in different situations, avoid bias, and write up results and reports. Showcasing a wide range of helpful learning features as well as a companion website, you are encouraged to follow practice analyses as you go. The book also offers a chapter dedicated to basic mathematics that will equip you with the skills required to understand the statistical analyses presented in the book. Key features include:
A concise and accessible overview of the topic, grounding you in quantitative methods, statistics and mathematics, whatever your prior knowledge.
Quantitative methods explained using a practical project context
Extensive guidance on how to conduct analyses with both SPSS and Excel.
Engaging pedagogical features integrated throughout to help maximise understanding, including chapter objectives and summaries, ‘Review and Reflect’ questions, ‘Look Out!’ boxes to guide you through difficult sections, ‘Check Your Understanding’ exercises at the end of each chapter accompanied by solutions at the back of the book, and an Excel functions glossary.
A companion website containing a wealth of additional resources for lecturers and students, such as worksheets, SPSS and Excel data sets and examples, template participant information sheets and consent Forms, and project checklists.
Introducing Quantitative Methods is the ideal core text for students across social science and business departments taking introductory modules on quantitative methods, research methods or statistics at undergraduate or postgraduate level. It also acts as a guide for your own quantitative research project, making each stage both doable and enjoyable. Daniela Aidley is a Professor of Business Psychology at the Applied University Westküste, Heide, Germany. She previously worked at Harvey Nash HR Consulting and McKinsey, Inc. and then at Leicester University until 2017. Daniela is also a member of the Editorial Board at Sociological Research Online.
This exciting new core textbook offers a clear and practical introduction to quantitative methods, taking a project-based approach. The author’s extensive knowledge and straightforward writing style ensure that students are steered through the process step-by-step, from developing research questions and preparing data for analysis, to explaining how to present data in appropriate formats, avoid bias, and write up results and reports. Featuring a comprehensive pedagogical framework and companion website, readers are encouraged to follow practice analyses as they go, with examples given in both SPSS and Excel, and templates are provided for students’ own research. In addition to covering the research project, chapters also cover the essential mathematical and statistical analyses that are a logical consequence of posing a quantitative research methods question. This is the perfect text for all social science students studying introductory modules on quantitative methods, research methods or statistics at undergraduate or postgraduate level. It also functions as an effective guide for undergraduate and postgraduate students faced with an independent research project.
Provides a concise and accessible introduction to the topic that does not require students to have pre-existing knowledge of quantitative methods, statistics or maths
Highly student-oriented, with highly practical guidance on topics such as how to come up with a good research question, understanding basic maths so students can follow the discussion of statistical analyses, and how to present and illustrate data.
Offers extensive guidance on how to conduct analyses with both SPSS and Excel
Extensive pedagogical features are integrated throughout, including chapter objectives and summaries, ‘Review and Reflect’ questions, ‘Look Out!’ boxes to guide students through difficult sections, ‘check your understanding’ student exercises at the end of each chapter accompanied by solutions at the back of the book, and an excellent Excel functions glossary
A companion website containing a wide range of additional learning resources, from checklists, questions, worksheets and templates, to SPSS and Excel data sets and examples
Primary market 1. Undergraduate and introductory-level courses on: research methods, quantitative methods and statistics across the social sciences – including business and management, psychology etc.2. Undergraduate dissertations and self-study Secondary market 1. Postgraduate modules on research methods and statistics2. Also postgraduate courses on research methods and statistics3. A-level courses on psychology4. Undergraduate and postgraduate courses that focus on both quantitative and qualitative research methods but recommend two textbooks treating both approaches separately5. Postgraduate self-study