Applying Statistics in Behavioural Research

Applying Statistics in Behavioural Research is written for undergraduate students in the behavioural sciences, such as Psychology, Pedagogy, Sociology and Ethology. The topics range from basic techniques, like correlation and t-tests, to moderately advanced analyses, like multiple regression and MANOV A. The focus is on practical application and reporting, as well as on the correct interpretation of what is being reported. For example, why is interaction so important? What does it mean when the null hypothesis is retained? And why do we need effect sizes?

A characteristic feature of Applying Statistics in Behavioural Research is that it uses the same ‘basic report’ structure over and over in order to introduce the reader to new analyses. This enables students to study the subject matter very efficiently, as one needs less time to discover the structure. Another characteristic of the book is its systematic attention to reading and interpreting graphs in connection with the statistics. Many statistics books use graphical explanations, but ignore the fact that some students are simply not visually oriented. For these students, graphical explanations make things harder, not easier. Here, understanding the visualizations is addressed in separate chapters. The book is also available online through www.boomstudent.nl.

Jules Ellis is Professor of Theory and Methods in Psychology at the Open Universiteit (Open University of the Netherlands). Trained as a mathematical psychologist, he specialises in psychometrics and applied statistics. He volunteers weekly with an animal rescue service.

Inge Rabeling is a senior lecturer at Radboud University’s School of Psychology, where she teaches courses in research methods, statistics, and data analysis.