Sage Publications, Inc. As the social sciences increasingly have become involved in establishing policies, suggesting solutions to social problems, and being called upon to inform our society's institutions, it is crucial for anyone who hopes to use social science knowledge to have a working knowledge of statistics. Insofar as it is statistics which are used to determine what is scientific knowledge and what is not, the statistically challenged non social scientist can be easily misled and therefore commit grievous errors. We continually look for books which successfully can be used to inform those who need to know more. This book is one that can be recommended. It is not a cutesy, folksy condescending approach but rather a well written, well organized, and understandable introduction to statistical reasoning, use, and what meaning they may have. If it is carefully read, at the end the reader will have a much better grasp of statistics and have better ability to consume social science research. It is necessary to be able to tell good research from that which is questionable. This book aids in permitting such critical discrimination. Reviewed by Ralph Underwager, Institute for Psychological Therapies.
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