Making Sense of Data and Statistics in Psychology

(Paperback, 2nd edition)

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Statistics is one of the most useful elements of any psychology degree. This popular textbook will equip you with the tools needed not only to make sense of your own data and research, but also to think critically about the research and statistics you will encounter in everyday life. Features include: - Logical, intuitive organization of key statistical concepts and tests with an emphasis on understanding which test to use and why - Innovative graphic illustrations and insightful dialogues that help you to get to grips with statistics - Concise, easy-to-follow guidelines for making sense of SPSS - COverage of more complex tests and concepts for when you need to dig deeper Making Sense of Data and Statistics in Psychology will help you design experiments, analyse data with confidence and establish a solid grounding in statistics; it will become a valuable resource throughout your studies. Companion Site: www.palgrave.com/psychology/mulhern2e An innovative and easy-to-read introduction to understanding statistical concepts and data in Psychology, written with even the most maths-averse Psychology student in mind. Authored by the current president of the BPS (British Psychological Society), this second edition includes guidance for SPSS and extended statistical coverage to bridge the gap between conceptual understanding of data and how to run statistical tests. Confronts the challenge of teaching statistics The material is structured so that the reader revisits ideas at increasing levels of sophistication, building on their existing knowledge in order to develop their understanding of statistics. This book, grounded in the authors' research into the way students learn maths and statistics, provides a 'way in' to statistics for all Psychology undergraduates, from those who have studied Maths to A Level to those who find their statistics courses to be the most daunting of their university years. The authors emphasise the importance of developing a 'feel' for data, particularly through visual representation, before statistical tests are discussed in detail. Making extensive use of exploratory data analysis, the text emphasises conceptual understanding. Concepts are introduced and clearly explained, enabling the student to understand the foundations of data analysis in interpreting psychological research. There is an abundant use of examples from psychological research throughout, helping students to get to grips with different forms of data. Flexible approach Can easily be integrated into 'standard courses', but also used to support more mathematicallyorientated courses. Reinforces understanding Avoids the jargon that makes statistics so inaccessible to many Psychology students. Pedagogical features include Socratic dialogues between statisticsaverse students and their lecturers; 'Making Links' boxes to help students see the connections between basic and more complex tests; and innovative comprehension check boxes which encourage students to stop and think before reading on. A new feature, 'Making sense of SPSS', links this conceptual comprehension to the way students mostly carry out their statistical tests. Making Sense of Data and Statistics in Psychology ensures that students have a firm basis in the use of statistics that will serve them for life, not just for the duration of their statistics course.

Reviews

"A comprehensive introduction to statistics for psychology in an easily accessible style with a fresh new approach. Recommended to anyone teaching statistics to a broad audience in the social sciences." - Antonius H. N. Cillessen, Professor of Psychology and Vice Dean of Social Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands "This text covers a good amount and level of information, and is suitable both as a core textbook and as a reference for students undertaking their research project. The authors' extensive teaching experience is clearly evident as care is taken to explain those concepts which are commonly misunderstood or which students struggle with most." - Sarah Bayless, Department of Psychology, University of Winchester, UK "A highly accessible introduction to applied statistics in psychological research. It succeeds in clearly explaining core concepts, while avoiding mathematical complexities that typically cause readers to lose their way. My students invariably rated the first edition of this book very highly. This second edition will remain my first choice." - Sander Los, Department of Cognitive Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Author Bio

GERRY MULHERN is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Queens University Belfast, UK, and current president of the British Psychological Society. He has previously taught at the Universities of Edinburgh and Ulster, and has published widely in the areas of applied cognition and mathematics education. BRIAN GREER is Adjunct Professor in the Graduate School of Education at Portland State University. He has taught statistics to psychology students for many years, and has published widely on mathematics education. Both authors conduct research on how people learn mathematical concepts and they bring this knowledge to bear in the explanations contained within Making Sense of Data and Statistics in Psychology.