Taking a simplified approach to statistics, this textbook teaches students the skills required to conduct and understand quantitative research. It provides basic mathematical instruction without compromising on analytical rigor, covering the essentials of research design; descriptive statistics; data visualization; and statistical tests including t-tests, chi-squares, ANOVAs, Wilcoxon tests, OLS regression, and logistic regression. Step-by-step instructions with screenshots are used to help students master the use of the freely accessible software R Commander. Ancillary resources include a solutions manual and figure files for instructors, and datasets and further guidance on using STATA and SPSS for students. Packed with examples and drawing on real-world data, this is an invaluable textbook for both undergraduate and graduate students in public administration and political science.
Industry Reviews
'Daniel Scheller's Elementary Statistics for Public Administration is the long-awaited successor to Meier and Brudney's Applied Statistics for Public Administration. Perfectly pitched to MPA and MPP students, this textbook walks students through research design, measurement, and data collection with many relevant examples for public administrators and presents the full panoply of statistical techniques and tests including central tendency and dispersion, ANOVA, Chi-square and Wilcoxon tests, bivariate and multivariate regression models, and, for the more ambitious student, logistic regression. At every juncture, Scheller shows students how to perform statistical tests with R Commander, the most user-friendly version of R available today, and provides students with datasets on which to practice their newly acquired skills. Of particular note is the emphasis on graphs, charts, and data visualization - all critical skills for today's public administrator. I recommend this book highly for students of public and nonprofit administration, urban affairs and planning, and public policy more broadly.' Jonathan Engel, The City University of New York
'Elementary Statistics for Public Administration is an invaluable resource for students and teachers of public administration. This textbook seamlessly integrates elementary statistical theory with practical application using R Commander. Its focus on public administration examples adds real-world relevance and practicality for current or aspiring public officials seeking to enhance their statistical skills in today's data-driven world.' Eva Marin Hlynsdottir, University of Iceland
'This is an exceptional textbook that ties together research methodology in a way that is accessible to both students and practitioners. The book is well organized and thorough in its coverage, and I appreciate the care the author takes in demonstrating how to conduct research using R Commander which can seem intimidating to many students. I would highly recommend this textbook to faculty and would use this resource in my own courses at the graduate level.' Thaddieus Conner, New Mexico State University
