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Analysing Quantitative Data
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Analysing Quantitative Data
Variable-based and Case-based Approaches to Non-experimental Datasets

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March 2015 | 376 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
This innovative book provides a fresh take on quantitative data analysis within the social sciences. It presents variable-based and case-based approaches side-by-side encouraging you to learn a range of approaches and to understand which is the most appropriate for your research.

Using two multidisciplinary non-experimental datasets throughout, the book demonstrates that data analysis is really an active dialogue between ideas and evidence.  Each dataset is returned to throughout the chapters enabling you to see the role of the researcher in action; it also showcases the difference between each approach and the significance of researchers’ decisions that must be made as you move through your analysis.

The book is divided into four clear sections:

  • Data and their presentation
  • Variable-based analyses
  • Case-based analyses
  • Comparing and combining approaches

Clear, original and written for students this book should be compulsory reading for anyone looking to conduct non-experimental quantitative data analysis.

 
Part 1: Quantitative data: structure, preparation and analysis approaches
 
Chapter 1: Data structure
 
Chapter 2: Data preparation
 
Chapter 3: Approaches to data analysis
 
Part 2: Variable-based analyses
 
Chapter 4: Univariate analysis
 
Chapter 5: Bivariate analysis
 
Chapter 6: Multivariate analysis
 
Part 3: Case-based analyses
 
Chapter 7: Set-theoretic methods and configurational data analysis
 
Chapter 8: Cluster and discriminant analysis
 
Part 4: Comparing and communicating results
 
Chapter 9: Comparing and mixing methods
 
Chapter 10: Evaluating hypotheses, explaining and communicating results

Supplements

Click for online resources

Free resources on the companion website:

  • A chapter summary 
  • Recommended reading suggestions
  • Links to free SAGE journal articles
  • Answers to chapter exercises and questions for discussion

This compelling textbook provides a clear view of a broad range of possibilities for quantitative data, complementing the statistical toolbox with configurational methods. A must read for students aiming to get more out of data and move beyond 'push-button analysis'. 

Benoît Rihoux
University of Louvain (UCL), Belgium

A very good complementary text surround understanding and effectively using SPSS; this is a great supplemental text for students undertaking research methods and dissertation projects (quantitatively based), to gain an enhanced understanding of the subject matter.

Mr Simon Brent
FBSE, Southampton Solent University
February 24, 2016

Definitely a book that broadens the perspective for quantitative data analysis. I specifically recommend the case-based approaches as reading for my graduate students.

Professor Claas Christian Germelmann
Business Administration , University of Bayreuth
June 6, 2016

Good resource for students studying data modules

Mr Mark Barnett
Business Management and IT, Weston College
June 12, 2015

This is a good core text and is recommended to students to suppor them on their research

Dr Mary Casey
School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Dublin
June 10, 2015

This is an easy to follow guide.

Dr Martyn Harling
Faculty of Education, Health, Sciences, Derby University
June 8, 2015

This is a book I intend to use in my research methods courses starting from the coming academic year

Dr Maria Pampaka
Social Science, Univ. of Manchester
June 8, 2015

I found this easy to read and use and had some really helpful chapters. What would be useful for future revised editions would be some references to the Carter Review of ITT and addressing such things as quantitative assessment theory and practice specifically for beginning teachers.

Dr David Cooper
School For Education Futures, Wolverhampton University
April 15, 2015

Very good introduction to the underpinning logic of variable-based in comparison with case-based data analysis techniques. Written in a very accessible style with helpful graphics and examples throughout.

Dr Elke Heins
School of Social and Political Science, Edinburgh University
March 31, 2015

A useful clear text for students

Dr Dorothy Fox
School of Tourism, Bournemouth University
March 30, 2015

Sample Materials & Chapters

Analysing Quantitative Data: Data Preparation


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ISBN: 9781446273418
£44.99

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ISBN: 9781446273401
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