Essential Mathematics for Political and Social Research

Description

Essential Mathematics for Political and Social Research addresses an educational deficiency in the social and behavioral sciences. This 2006 book was the first of its kind to specifically address the comprehensive introduction to the mathematical principles needed by modern social scientists. The material introduces basic mathematical principles necessary to do analytical work in the social sciences, starting from first principles, but without unnecessary complexity. The core purpose is to present fundamental notions in standard notation and standard language with a clear, unified framework throughout. Through examples and exercises, this book is intended to not only motivate specific mathematical principles and practices, but also introduce the way that social science researchers use these tools. The intended emphasis is on conceptual understanding of key principles and their subsequent application.

Jeff Gill is an associate professor of Political Science at the University of California, Davis. His current research is focused on projects such as Bayesian hierarchical models, MCMC theory, budgetary behavior in the House of Representatives, Congress, generalized linear model theory, and simulation techniques. He recently completed a book entitled Numerical Issues in Statistical Computing for the Social Scientist (with Altman and McDonald).

"Ultimately, math is a language, and Jeff Gill's new book is a comprehensive guide to its grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. The book covers essential topics for advanced social science research and will be an excellent teaching, reference, and self-study tool." --Scott Desposato, University of California, San Diego "The body of topics that Gill covers is both appropriate and desirable for any primer in mathematics. The use of substantive examples is really outstanding, and makes this a uniquely attractive commodity for political science faculty who would be teaching a mathematical research/methods class over the course of a semester." --Alan Wiseman, Ohio State University