The Data Game Controversies in Social Science Statistics [Paperback]

This book introduces students to the collection, uses, and interpretation of statistical data in the social sciences. It would suit all social science introductory statistics and research methods courses. Separate chapters are devoted to data in the fields of demography, housing, health, education, crime, the economy, wealth, income, poverty, labor, business statistics, and public opinion polling, with a concluding chapter devoted to the common problem of ambiguity. Each chapter includes multiple case studies illustrating the controversies, overview of data sources including web sites, chapter summary and a set of case study questions designed to stimulate further thought.

1. Introduction  2. Demography  3. Housing  4. Health  5. Education  6. Crime  7. The National Economy  8. Wealth, Income, and Poverty  9. Labor Statistics  10. Business Statistics  11. Government  12. Public Opinion Polling  13. Conclusions

Even in social science, the facts don't always speak for themselves. They have to be examined, analyzed and interpreted, so that researchers and consumers of research can make sense of them. The Data Game provides a roadmap about how social scientists use data. It offers a wealth of examples that show how researchers can arrive at different conclusions based on what data they use and how they analyze it. The book is an important resource for anyone teaching those data literacy skills. -- Peter Dreier, E.P. Clapp Distinguished Professor of Politics, Chair, Urban & Environmental Policy Department Occidental College

In very readable fashion, this book introduces readers to the nature of, sources of, problems with, and controversies surrounding data used in a variety of social science topics. The profession owes Mark Maier a vote of thanks for having produced a book that will enhance our teacl3/