Provides readers with the statistical tools to test almost any hypothesis and research question.

By teaching complex analyses in simple, straight-forward language, and with an emphasis on statistical flexibility, this book enables readers to:

• Choose and apply the best statistical approach for their research design
• Get a buffet-style introduction to the major advanced statistical techniques
• Work with a clear set of best practices for statistical analysis in the social sciences
• Understand the relationship between statistics and statistical inference
• Get to grips with the advent of big datasets
• Avoid common errors and pitfalls in the research design phase
• Communicate the results of analysis effectively and with impact
• Learn statistics as a journey in testing a hypothesis and exploring empirical data.