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Numerical Issues in Statistical Computing for
the Social Scientist
At last-a social scientist's guide through the pitfalls
of modern statistical computing.
Addressing the current deficiency in the literature on statistical
methods as they apply to the social and behavioral sciences, Numerical
Issues in Statistical Computing for the Social Scientist seeks
to provide readers with a unique practical guidebook to the numerical
methods underlying computerized statistical calculations specific
to these fields. The authors demonstrate that knowledge of these
numerical methods and how they are used in statistical packages
is essential for making accurate inferences. With the aid of key
contributors from both the social and behavioral sciences, the
authors have assembled a rich set of interrelated chapters designed
to guide empirical social scientists through the potential minefield
of modern statistical computing. Uniquely accessible and abounding
in modem-day tools, tricks, and advice, the text successfully
bridges the gap between the current level of social science methodology
and the more sophisticated technical coverage usually associated
with the statistical field.
Highlights Include:
- A focus on problems occurring in maximum likelihood estimation
- Integrated examples of statistical computing (using software
packages such as the SAS, Gauss, Splus, R, Stata, LlMDEPI SPSS,
WinBUGS, and MA TLAB)
- Discussions of a multitude of computationally intensive statistical
approaches such as ecological inference, Markov chain Monte
Carlo, and spatial regression analysis
- Emphasis on specific numerical problems, statistical procedures.
and their applications in the field
- " Replications and re-analysis of published social science
research, using innovative numerical methods
- Key numerical estimation issues along with the means of avoiding
common pitfalls
- A related Web site includes test data for use in demonstrating
numerical problems, code for: applying the original methods
described in the book, and an online bibliography of Web resources
for the statistical computation
Designed as an independent research tool, a professional reference,
or a classroom supplement, the book presents a well-thought-out
treatment of a complex and multifaceted field.
Micah Altman, Jeff Gill, Michael P. McDonald
Format: Hard cover, 323 pages, December 2003
Item #: ISBN: 0-471-26735-X
Price: US $89.95
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