Quantitative Methods for Historians: A Guide to Research, Data, and Statistics / Edition 1

by Konrad H. Jarausch, Kenneth A. Hardy

Overview

The pioneering texts in quantitative history were written over two decades ago, but as a command of methodological context, computer experience, and statistical literacy have become increasingly important to the study of history, the need for an introductory text addressing these matters has increased. Quantitative Methods for Historians is a theoretical and practical guide for the application of quantitative analysis in historical research. It is designed for students of history and related disciplines who are curious about the possibilities of quantification and want to learn more about its recent development.

Integrating the use of the statistical packages SAS and SPSS with the quantitative method, the authors discuss techniques for defining a problem, proceed to the building of a data set and the use of statistical methods, and conclude with the interpretation of results. The data set section concentrates on the basics of formalized research, discussing the coding process and the more complicated problems of data transformation and linkage. The statistical parts systematically build upon traditional fundamentals and introduce new analytical techniques for qualitative variables.

Intended as a working introduction to quantitative methods, this guide also provides additional information on advanced statistical techniques and discusses questions of historical computing, reflecting critically on the proper role of quantitative methods.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780807843093
Publisher:	The University of North Carolina Press
Publication date:	03/26/1991
Series:	Baker Library Reference
Edition description:	1
Pages:	266
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Konrad H. Jarausch is Lurcy Professor of History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Kenneth A. Hardy is former director of the Statistical Laboratory of the Institute for Research in Social Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Quantitative historians have been waiting for a long time for a book such as this. It assumes no previous knowledge of mathematics or computing, but building step by step, achieves a remarkable degree of methodological sophistication while still remaining accessible to the non-specialist. Other strengths include its attempted dialogue with more traditional scholars and its balance between American and European fields of research.—Walter D. Kamphoefner, Texas A&M University



Both a how-to manual for scholars venturing into quantitative history and a survey of the subfield of quantitative history in the U.S. and Europe up to about 1990.—Choice

Editorial Reviews

Quantitative historians have been waiting for a long time for a book such as this.

Walter D. Kamphoefner, Texas A&M University

"Quantitative historians have been waiting for a long time for a book such as this.

Walter D. Kamphoefner, Texas A&M University"

From the Publisher

Extensive descriptions of methods used to allocate assets and measure portfolio performance. Examples illustrate the analysis of equity, fixed income, real estate and derivative securities. For each area, the potential benefits and limitations of quantitative analysis are described. A theoretical and practical guide for application of quantitative analysis in historical research. Discusses techniques for defining a problem and building a data set, and use of statistical methods. Concludes with guidelines for interpretation of results. Paper edition (unseen), $11.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews