Statistics As Principled Argument

Statistics As Principled Argument

1st edition

Paperback (15 Mar 1995)

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Publisher's Synopsis

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.

Book information

ISBN: 9780805805284
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Imprint: Psychology Press
Pub date:
Edition: 1st edition
DEWEY: 001.422
DEWEY edition: 22
Language: English
Number of pages: 240
Weight: 384g
Height: 153mm
Width: 228mm
Spine width: 15mm