Statistical Design and Inference for the Social Sciences

Donald Vandegrift′s Statistical Design and Inference for the Social Sciences equips students with the skills to think critically about data—not just calculate it. Rather than focusing on rote computation, this text emphasizes how to build strong, evidence-based arguments using real-world data and thoughtful comparisons. Students learn to align their research questions with appropriate measures, designs, and statistical tools—developing the judgment needed to evaluate public policies, assess social science research, and make informed decisions. With a strong foundation in causal reasoning and a practical approach to software use, the book helps students move beyond formulas to understand the logic behind statistical choices.