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This textbook presents a comprehensive introduction to analysing quantitative linguistic data. Starting with an in-depth examination of what quantitative data is, and how it differs from qualitative data, the book examines what the linguist is trying to find out through analysing data, and how quantitative techniques can help him or her to arrive at meaningful and accurate conclusions. The book introduces: - using statistics, variables, reliability of data, describing data, analysing data, testing hypotheses and dealing with problematic data. Each chapter includes graphs and figures explaining theory through worked examples, chapter summaries, and exercises to aid student understanding. An appendix containing a summary of statistical formulae, excel commands and statistical tables is included and is an invaluable resource.Presenting a down-to-earth and readable introduction to quantitative research, this book is a useful how-to guide for students encountering quantitative data for the first time, or for postgraduates embarking on linguistic research projects.
List of contents
1. Introduction
2. Quantitative Research: some basic issues
3. Research Design and Sampling
4. Questionnaire Design and Coding
5. A First Glimpse at Data
6. Describing Data Properly: central location and dispersion
7. Analysing Data: a few steps further
8. Testing Hypotheses
9. Analysing Dodgy Data: when things are not quite normal
10. Appendices and Solutions
Bibliography
Report
For the maths-shy linguistics student with no statistics training, this long-needed, reader-friendly book demystifies what quantitative research is and how it's done. Assuming no prior knowledge, students are introduced to various research methods and shown the steps to designing, analysing and interpreting data. Statistical analyses are brilliantly explained and illustrated with examples from published research with which students will already be familiar. Barbara Allen, University of Sussex, UK
