Statistics: A Tool for Social Research

Rating:
Summary: Stats made simple
Review: I have done poorly in statistics before but this book seems to be laid out with good clarity and is better than the first book I used.

This book is part the required texts for Sociology 210 at Loyola Marymount U. in Los Angeles.

This book has a handy layout map that allows the person learning or teaching to circumvent areas of the topic that are not of significant bearing to the class.

I am just starting so take my 5 star rating with the caviat that I am not too familiar with the text yet. Amazon is cheaper than my School book store though!!

Rating:
Summary: There is much to be desired
Review: The book covers most necessary areas of stats, but does it not in a brilliant way: 1)In persuit of making stats simple, the author seems to have left out crucial information in some places so that it leaves the reader confused - you understand HOW to make calculation, but not WHY you should do them. 2) Writting could have been clearer and consise. Examples aren't really well selected - some much more lucid and compelling ones could be brought up to illustrate the points made. 3) The book promises "a wide range of student resources" on its web site - in fact there is nothing there except a review of elementary math. 4) The lay out of the book isn't bad, but this merit is outweighted by the mess in referencing. E.g. Index indicates that info on t-distribution is on p.46 - there is not a single word about t-distribution there, whereas all the info is on pp. 197-199, which is not mentioned in the index at all; etc.

In general, if you just want to pass an exam in elementary stats and can do with rudimentary knowledge of the subject, go with this book. For real understanding of statistics look at different books.

Rating:
Summary: The 6th edition is almost same as 5th edition.
Review: This 6th edition is almost same as 5th edition. The only difference is the Micro statistics program domostration which almost of all people are not using. Anyway if you need to buy this book, I'd like to recommend 5 edition. It is cheaper.