Understanding and Using Statistics in Psychology: A Practical Introduction

`There are few people who can write about research methods in a lively and engaging way, but Miles and Banyard are amongst them. As well as being an exceptionally clear introduction to research methods, it is full of amusing asides and anecdotes that make you want to read more. A hugely enjoyable book' - Dr Andy Field, University of Sussex

Understanding and Using Statistics in Psychology takes the fear out of psychological statistics to help students understand why statistics are carried out, how to choose the best test and how to carry out the tests and understand them.

Taking a non-technical approach, it encourages the reader to understand why a particular test is being used and what the results mean in the context of a psychological study, focusing on meaning and understanding rather than mindless numerical calculation.

Key features include:

- A light and accessible style

- Descriptions of the most commonly used statistical tests and the principles that underlie them

- Real world examples to aid the understanding of why statistics are valuable

- Boxes on common errors, tips and quotes

- Test yourself questions

The perfect introductory resource, Understanding and Using Statistics in Psychology will guide any student new to statistics effortlessly through the process of test selection and analysis.

“'The book comprehensively covers all the main areas of statistical research one would expect at an undergraduate level...the subtitle for this book is How I Came To Know and Love the Standard Error. Now, whilst my feelings towards the standard error have not been considerably altered, at the very least I have been entertained and amused but above all informed by this readable book.' Deaglan Page Psychology: Learning & Teaching”

′The book comprehensively covers all the main areas of statistical research one would expect at an undergraduate level...the subtitle for this book is How I Came To Know and Love the Standard Error. Now, whilst my feelings towards the standard error have not been considerably altered, at the very least I have been entertained and amused but above all informed by this readable book.′
Deaglan Page
Psychology: Learning & Teaching

Dr Phil Banyard is Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Nottingham Trent University (NTU). In his thirty years at NTU Phil Banyard taught on a range of courses but focused on introductory modules and critical thinking. His research was concerned with the impact of digital technologies on teaching and learning, especially in schools. He was a chief examiner of A Level Psychology for many years and has written more than twenty texts. Among these is an introductory text with SAGE (now in its fourth edition) that brought in over 50 members of the department at NTU. His cultural interests are largely defined by smallpeople in the family and he is currently enjoying Captain Underpants series three which he regards as riotously creative. 

Understanding and Using Statistics in Psychology takes the fear out of psychological statistics to help students understand why statistics are carried out, how to choose the best test, how to carry out the tests, and then perform the analysis in SPSS. Emphasizing the place of statistical analysis in the process of conducting research, from design to report writing, this accessible and straightforward guide takes a non-technical approach, encouraging the reader to understand why a particular test is being used and what the results mean in the context of a psychological study. The focus is on meaning and understanding rather than numerical calculation. Key Features: Light and accessible style Descriptions of the most commonly used statistical tests and the principles that underlie them Real world psychological example datasets to aid the understanding of why statistics are valuable Boxes on common errors, tips and quotes Test yourself questions The perfect introductory resource, Understanding and Using Statistics in Psychology will guide any student new to statistics effortlessly through the process of test selection and analysis.

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