Hypothesis Testing and Model Selection in the Social Sciences (Methodology in the Social Sciences)

Book Details

• Publisher: GUILFORD PRESS

• Author: David L. Weakliem

• Language: English

• Edition: 1

• ISBN: 9781462525652

• Pages: 202

• Cover: Hardcover, Illustrated

• Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 0.7 inches

About the Book

"Statistical Methods for Model Selection: A Practical Guide for Social Scientists" provides an insightful exploration into the core concepts of hypothesis testing and model selection, blending statistical theory with real-world social science examples. Written by David L. Weakliem, this book offers an in-depth examination of the major approaches to hypothesis testing, including both classical (frequentist) and Bayesian methods. It not only explains how these approaches are applied but also delves into the ways they can be reconciled, addressing key controversies and criticisms along the way.

The book covers the importance of hypothesis testing in theory evaluation and explores the intricate relationship between hypothesis tests and confidence intervals. A significant focus is placed on the role of prior knowledge in Bayesian estimation and hypothesis testing. Additionally, the book introduces two practical alternatives to standard hypothesis testing: the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), providing detailed discussion on their usage.

What sets this book apart is its thoughtful treatment of the philosophical arguments surrounding hypothesis testing and the historical context of model selection problems. Rather than simply asking which statistical test to use, it encourages readers to consider how model specification, estimation, and statistical analysis can enhance the understanding of particular research questions.

Filled with accessible explanations and applicable to applied quantitative research in social sciences, this book serves as an indispensable resource for researchers and practitioners. Additionally, the companion website offers valuable data and syntax files to aid with the examples presented in the book, making it a highly practical guide for both students and seasoned researchers.