Introduction to Real World Statistics provides students with the basic concepts and practices of applied statistics, including data management and preparation; an introduction to the concept of probability; data screening and descriptive statistics; various inferential analysis techniques; and a series of exercises that are designed to integrate core statistical concepts. The author’s systematic approach, which assumes no prior knowledge of the subject, equips student practitioners with a fundamental understanding of applied statistics that can be deployed across a wide variety of disciplines and professions. Notable features include: short, digestible chapters that build and integrate statistical skills with real-world applications, demonstrating the flexible usage of statistics for evidence-based decision-making statistical procedures presented in a practical context with less emphasis on technical jargon early chapters that build a foundation before presenting statistical procedures SPSS step-by-step detailed instructions designed to reinforce student understanding real world exercises complete with answers chapter PowerPoints and test banks for instructors. Review This book serves students being introduced to quantitative research as well as research professionals seeking to add to their statistical analysis and quantitative reasoning skills. Its emphasis on providing the reasons and prerequisites for using a statistical procedure make it valuable as a book-shelf reference as well as a textbook. Integration of relevant exercises to be carried out with SPSS enhances understanding of general statistical concepts with a body of hands-on experience, and that combination results in a very valuable skill set that will serve the reader well for years. James H. Watt, Professor Emeritus, University of Connecticut Professor Vieira combines a straightforward approach to applied statistics with the most accessible statistical package, SPSS. His non-technical, clear, and concise writing style makes Introduction to Real World Statistics a valuable handbook and reference for students and practitioners as well as an effective text for introductory statistics courses. John Lowe, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, Simmons College This is a textbook that attempts to bridge areas of content that are traditionally addressed independently: a the conceptual knowledge of technical information; b. the real world application of such technical knowledge and c. a leading software tool that assists a researcher in applying the conceptual knowledge of technical information to a real world context. Vieira seems to have used the feedback he received from his students over several decades to successfully build a bridge across these three content areas. This textbook and its approach are a welcome addition for making the process of learning statistics in the social sciences a lot smoother and a lot more relevant to students. Michael G. Elasmar, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Director of the Marketing Communication Research graduate program, Boston University Dr. Vieira’s book is comprehensive, clear, and has great examples to illustrate the concepts. I particularly liked the section on Sampling. I envision that this book would be suitable for a variety of audiences and levels. Clayton W. Barrows, University of New Hampshire About the Author Edward T. Vieira, Jr. is an Associate Professor, Research Director, and member of the Institutional Review Board at Simmons College, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. He earned his M.B.A from Bryant University and Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut. Currently, Dr. Vieira serves on the editorial boards of seven peer-reviewed journals providing statistical and methodological expertise. He has over 30 years of management, research, and consulting experience in areas such as marketing research, community outreach focus groups, organizational resea
