The Joy of Stats offers a reader-friendly introduction to applied statistics and quantitative analysis in the social sciences and public policy. Perfect as an undergraduate text or self-study manual, it emphasizes how to understand concepts, interpret algorithms and formulas, analyze data, and answer research questions.This brand new edition offers examples and visualizations using real-life data, a revised discussion of statistical inference, and introductory examples in ...

As a stand-alone text, a self-study manual, or a supplement to a lab manual or comprehensive text, The Joy of Stats is a unique and versatile resource. A "Math Refresher" section and self-assessment test offer a concise review of the needed math background. A "How-To?" section provides short, handy summaries of data analysis techniques and explains when to apply them. Each chapter offers key terms, numerous examples—including real-world data—practice exercises and answers, and ver...

Change and Disruption: Sociology of the Future draws on classical and modern sociological theory to identify recent and emerging trends in the global system. The book probes the rise of authoritarian states, rifts in the relationship between humans and the rest of nature, the coming impact of artificial intelligence, and changes in work, cities, science, and the quality of life. These dynamics are explored through the animating question: will the positive potential of the modern w...

The authors recontextualize contemporary sociological theory to argue that in recent decades sociology has been deeply permeated by a new paradigm, conflict constructionism. Their analysis integrates and sheds new light on eight prominent domains of recent social thought: the micro-level; discourses, framing, and renewed interest in signs and language; the construction of difference and dominance; regulation and punishment; cultural complexity and transculturation; the body; new approaches...

Influenced by Thomas Kuhn's work on paradigm shifts in the social sciences, this overview of contemporary theory identifies major themes, charts the impact of social change on theories, acquaints readers with a sample of individual theorists (the "transitional giants" who shaped contemporary theories), explores the impact of contemporary theories on various areas of sociology, and traces how the great social theories of the past are being reinterpreted and incorporated into new theories. T...

A young girl grows up in a small town in the Idaho Panhandle where people know everybody's business. Her father is from a pillars-in-the-community family, her mother a miner's daughter. After years as a dedicated elementary school teacher, her mother becomes as unconventional as they come, eventually going to prison. Left to her own devices at 11, Roberta raises herself, marries young (and happily), gets a college degree and a job as a college administrator, raises two great kids of her ow...

The third edition of this popular reader reflects considerable changes. The framework for understanding theory as a set of conversations over time is maintained and deepened, pairing classical with contemporary readings to illustrate the ways in which theory continues to be reinterpreted over time. Volume I has been completely reorganized, with new contextual and biographical materials surrounding the primary readings, and end-of-chapter study guides that include key terms, discussion ques...

The third edition of this popular reader reflects considerable changes. The framework for understanding theory as a set of conversations over time is maintained and deepened, but Volume II now begins with a focus on key transitional theorists who helped reconceive of classical theory in new ways. Extending from the classical tradition, chapters on race, gender, culture, media and globalization show how contemporary theory builds on the past even as it moves in new directions. New contextua...

The third edition of this popular reader reflects considerable changes. With over seventy readings representing a wide diversity of theorists, it offers a breadth of coverage not available in other collections. The framework for understanding theory as a set of conversations over time is maintained and deepened, with a focus on key transitional theorists who helped pave the way from classical to contemporary theory. New contextual and biographical materials surround the primary readings, a...