History by Numbers: An Introduction to Quantitative Approaches - Couverture rigide

Hudson, Pat

Couverture rigide

ISBN 10 : 0340663227 ISBN 13 : 9780340663226

Editeur : Hodder Arnold, 2000

Synopsis

This text examines the origins, purposes, methods and pitfalls of quantitative approaches to history and introduces students to some of the most commonly used tools and techniques, including computer-aided research methods. It situates quantitative history within the wider realm of, and debates surrounding, historical methods. It emphasizes the historian's problems of gathering reliable quantitative evidence and making decisions about suitable techniques and the acceptability and interpretation of results. Various methods used in the display and analysis of data are clearly explained from the formation of various figures, graphs and tables to regression, time series analysis, sampling theory and practice, and economic methods. The book assumes no prior statistical knowledge and includes a wide range of illustrative material drawn from current historical research in social, economic and political history.

A propos du livre

Présentation de l'éditeur

Quantitative history is an essential part of the wider armoury of historical methods. Pat Hudson emphasises the similarities between quantitative and qualitative approaches and their joint value in reconstructing the past. She explores the historian's problems in gathering reliable evidence and making decisions about suitable techniques, judging the acceptability of the results, and moving towards their interpretation. Various methods used in the display and analysis of data are clearly explained from the formation of figures, graphs, and tables to time series analysis, correlation and regression, sampling theory and practice, and econometric techniques. Computer-aided techniques are surveyed and there is an assessment of the impact of computers on research.

The style is clear and inviting and the book assumes no prior statistical knowledge. Its problem-solving approach, drawing on current historical research in social, economic, and political history, demystifies quantitative skills and makes them accessible even to those unconfident about their aptitud for numbers.

Revue de presse

A new accessible text in this field is overdue...Hudson's book has the characteristic merits of her work: it is clear without over-simplyfying, and it locates quantitative techniques within a properly historical framework of understanding. I am sure it will find a significant market. (Professor David Eastwood, Chief Executive, Arts an)

This book deserves to be read carefully and thoughtfully by all historians. The approach is sensible, in no way triumphalist, but it clearly demonstrates the need for, and value of, even a modest level of quantitative skill. (The Economic Society : Scottish Economic & Social)

Balanced, critical where necessary and alive to the difficulties which its readers may experience. (English Historical Review)

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Hodder Arnold
• Date d'édition: 2000
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 0340663227
• ISBN 13: 9780340663226
• Reliure: Relié
• Nombre de pages: 304
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: non disponible