An Introduction to Data Analysis

Chapter 1: Introducing Data Chapter 2: Thinking like a Data Analyst Chapter 3: Finding, Collecting, and Organizing Data Chapter 4: Introducing Quantitative Data Analysis Chapter 5: Applying Quantitative Data Analysis: Correlations, T-Tests, and Chi-Square Tests Chapter 6: Introducing Qualitative Data Analysis Chapter 7: Applying Qualitative Data Analysis Chapter 8: Introducing Mixed Methods: How to Synthesize Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis Techniques Chapter 9: Communicating Findings and Visualizing Data Chapter 10: Conclusion: Becoming a Data Analyst

Bergin's book has a clear and straight-forward structure covering the key points and issues required to engage in qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods research. This is an accessible introduction for undergraduates encountering research methods for the first time. -- Anna Robb Tiffany Bergin is clearly an experienced and effective teacher, reminiscent of the late Cathie Marsh (both authors taught research methods at Cambridge). This book is informed by professional experience outside academia and is recommended as required reading in research methods (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed) for courses in sociology, social policy and related areas. It can serve either as a course text or as a self-teaching aid. Well organised and easy to use, written in a no-nonsense style, addressing the reader throughout as "you" with emphasis on learning by doing hands-on with real data, it is full of sound practical advice and stresses the importance of organising your work and especially on communicating your findings. -- John F Hall