Using straightforward prose and emphasizing intuition and common sense, this book teaches basic statistics while incorporating real research examples related to the dynamic interplay of race, class, gender and other social variables within our society and our global neighbours. The text includes resources designed to support effective teaching: illustrations showing how statistical concepts are used to interpret social issues, guides for reading and interpreting the research literature, SPSS demonstrations, and a rich variety of exercises.This new edition has been substantially reorganized, to include:" Descriptive and inferential statistics in discrete units, followed by coverage of data analysis." Social issues beyond race and gender, for example, class and mobility." New end-of-chapter exercises" A fresh data set for criminology and social work." Fully updated features, including 'Learning Checks', 'Statistics in Practice', 'A Closer Look' boxes and other helpful devices.