What basic knowledge and skills do novice researchers in social science require? How can students be helped to over-come 'symbol phobia' or 'figure blindness'? This generous and constantly insightful book is designed for social researchers who need to know what procedures to use under what circumstances, in practical research projects. It accomplishes this without requiring an in-depth understanding of statistical theory, but also avoids, both trivializing procedures and resorting to cookbook techniques. Among the key features of Analyzing Quantitative Data are: - accessibility - organization of the wide, often bewildering array of methods of data analysis into a coherent and user-friendly scheme of classification: types of analysis and levels of measurement - demystification - the first chapter unpacks commonly taken-for-granted concepts such as 'analysis', 'data' and 'quantitative' - location of methods in real research problems Analyzing Quantitative Data is a triumphant introduction to the theory and practice of quantitative methods. It will quickly establish itself as essential reading for students doing social research throughout the social sciences.