This textbook offers a step-by-step introduction to the fundamentals of data analysis. It begins with descriptive analyses, moves on to linear regression, and then covers more advanced and sophisticated statistical models. Using the freely available statistical software R, the analyses are implemented in a clear and practical manner to make the theoretical concepts more tangible. In addition, the author introduces Quarto Markdown a tool that significantly simplifies the technical aspects of writing seminar papers, bachelors and masters theses. Exercises at the end of each chapter encourage readers to apply the material covered and dig deeper on their own. The book is primarily intended for students in the social sciences.
The English translation of this book, originally in German, was facilitated by artificial intelligence. The content was later revised by the author for accuracy.
1. Introduction.- Part 1: I. Univariate Statistics.-
2. Concepts,
Analysis Unit and Scales.-
3. Indices.-
4. Univariate Statistics.-
5.
Distributions, Graphics and Quarto Markdown.-
6. Probability Theory and
Random Samples.-
7. Test Theory, Inferential Statistics and Hypotheses.- Part
II: Bivariate Statistics.-
8. Correlations of two variables.-
9. Theory of
Hypothesis Testing.-
10. Univariate Linear Regression.- Part III:
Multivariate Statistics.-
11. Multiple Linear Regression.-
12.
Transformations, Interaction and Mediation.-
13. Uncertainty.-
14.
Causality.-
15. Maximum Likelihood.- Part IV: Advanced Models.-
16. Advanced
Models.-
17. Time Series Analysis.-
18. Panel Analysis.-
19. Logistic
Regression.-
20. Event Count Models.-
21. Ordinal Logistic Regression.-
22.
Multinomial Logistic Regression.-
23. Writing a Scientific Paper.
Dr. Benjamin E. Schlegel is a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Political Science Methods, University of Zurich (Switzerland). His teaching and research focus on statistical methods, data analysis, and computational tools in the social sciences.
