Practical, example-driven introduction to maximum likelihood for the social sciences. Emphasizes computation in R, model selection and interpretation.

This is a short introduction to Maximum Likelihood (ML) Estimation. It provides a general modeling framework that utilizes the tools of ML methods to outline a flexible modeling strategy that accommodates cases from the simplest linear models (such as the normal error regression model) to the most complex nonlinear models linking endogenous and exogenous variables with non-normal distributions. Using examples to illustrate the techniques of finding ML estimators and estimates, the author discusses what properties are desirable in an estimator, basic techniques for finding maximum likelihood solutions, the general form of the covariance matrix for ML estimates, the sampling distribution of ML estimators; the use of ML in the normal as well as other distributions, and some useful illustrations of likelihoods.

Written specifically for graduate students and practitioners beginning social science research, Statistical Modeling and Inference for Social Science covers the essential statistical tools, models and theories that make up the social scientist's toolkit. Assuming no prior knowledge of statistics, this textbook introduces students to probability theory, statistical inference and statistical modeling, and emphasizes the connection between statistical procedures and social science theory. Sean Gailmard develops core statistical theory as a set of tools to model and assess relationships between variables - the primary aim of social scientists - and demonstrates the ways in which social scientists express and test substantive theoretical arguments in various models. Chapter exercises guide students in applying concepts to data, extending their grasp of core theoretical concepts. Students will also gain the ability to create, read and critique statistical applications in their fields of interest.

DIVArgues that likelihood theory is a unifying approach to statistical modeling in political science /div

Featuring over 900 entries, this resource covers all disciplines within the social sciences with both concise definitions & in-depth essays.

A one-of-a-kind compilation of modern statistical methods designed to support and advance research across the social sciences Statistics in the Social Sciences: Current Methodological Developments presents new and exciting statistical methodologies to help advance research and data analysis across the many disciplines in the social sciences. Quantitative methods in various subfields, from psychology to economics, are under demand for constant development and refinement. This volume features invited overview papers, as well as original research presented at the Sixth Annual Winemiller Conference: Methodological Developments of Statistics in the Social Sciences, an international meeting that focused on fostering collaboration among mathematical statisticians and social science researchers. The book provides an accessible and insightful look at modern approaches to identifying and describing current, effective methodologies that ultimately add value to various fields of social science research. With contributions from leading international experts on the topic, the book features in-depth coverage of modern quantitative social sciences topics, including: Correlation Structures Structural Equation Models and Recent Extensions Order-Constrained Proximity Matrix Representations Multi-objective and Multi-dimensional Scaling Differences in Bayesian and Non-Bayesian Inference Bootstrap Test of Shape Invariance across Distributions Statistical Software for the Social Sciences Statistics in the Social Sciences: Current Methodological Developments is an excellent supplement for graduate courses on social science statistics in both statistics departments and quantitative social sciences programs. It is also a valuable reference for researchers and practitioners in the fields of psychology, sociology, economics, and market research.

Yet Research May Be Regarded As A Useful Form Of Activity. Research, In The Sense Of Development, Elaboration And Refinement Of Principles, Together With The Collection And Use Of Empirical Materials To Help In These Processes, Is One Of Die Highest Activities Of A University And One In Which All Its Professors Should Be Engaged. Research Need Not Be Thought Of As A Special Prerogative Of Young Men And Women Preparing Themselves For A Higher Degree. Nobody Needs The Permission Of A University To Do Research And Many Of The Great Scholars Did Not Any Research In The Ordinary Sense Of The Term. Yet They Succeeded In Contributing Significantly To The Existing Realms Of Knowledge. Research Is A Matter Of Realising A Question And Then Trying To Find An Answer. In Other Words, Research Means A Sort Of Investigation Describing The Fact That Some Problem Is Being Investigated To Shed For Generalization. Therefore, Research Is The Activity Of Solving Problem Which Adds New Knowledge And Developing Of Theory As Well As Gathering Of Evidence To Test Generalization.In View Of This, The Present Attempt Is Made To Describe The Different Aspects Of Research Generally Being Conducted By The Social Scientists And It Is Hoped That It Will Be Of Great Use For All Those Concerned With Social Research.

Evaluates the most useful models for categorical and limited dependent variables (CLDVs), emphasizing the links among models and applying common methods of derivation, interpretation, and testing. The author also explains how models relate to linear regression models whenever possible. Annotation c.

Regression diagnostics are methods for determining whether a regression model that has been fit to data adequately represents the structure of the data. For example, if the model assumes a linear (straight-line) relationship between the response and an explanatory variable, is the assumption of linearity warranted? Regression diagnostics not only reveal deficiencies in a regression model that has been fit to data but in many instances may suggest how the model can be improved. The Second Edition of this bestselling volume by John Fox considers two important classes of regression models: the normal linear regression model (LM), in which the response variable is quantitative and assumed to have a normal distribution conditional on the values of the explanatory variables; and generalized linear models (GLMs) in which the conditional distribution of the response variable is a member of an exponential family. R code and data sets for examples within the text can be found on an accompanying website.

The SAGE Handbook of Quantitative Methodology for the Social Sciences is the definitive reference for teachers, students, and researchers of quantitative methods in the social sciences, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the major techniques used in the field. The contributors, top methodologists and researchers, have written about their areas of expertise in ways that convey the utility of their respective techniques, but, where appropriate, they also offer a fair critique of these techniques. Relevance to real-world problems in the social sciences is an essential ingredient of each chapter and makes this an invaluable resource.