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.