An Update of the Most Popular Graduate-Level Introductions to Bayesian Statistics for Social Scientists Now that Bayesian modeling has become standard, MCMC is well understood and trusted, and computing power continues to increase, Bayesian Methods: A Social and Behavioral Sciences Approach, Third Edition focuses more on implementation details of the procedures and less on justifying procedures. The expanded examples reflect this updated approach. New to the Third Edition A chapter on Bayesian decision theory, covering Bayesian and frequentist decision theory as well as the connection of empirical Bayes with James-Stein estimation A chapter on the practical implementation of MCMC methods using the BUGS software Greatly expanded chapter on hierarchical models that shows how this area is well suited to the Bayesian paradigm Many new applications from a variety of social science disciplines Double the number of exercises, with 20 now in each chapter Updated BaM package in R, including new datasets, code, and procedures for calling BUGS packages from R This bestselling, highly praised text continues to be suitable for a range of courses, including an introductory course or a computing-centered course. It shows students in the social and behavioral sciences how to use Bayesian methods in practice, preparing them for sophisticated, real-world work in the field.

Essential Mathematics for Political and Social Research addresses an educational deficiency in the social and behavioral sciences. This 2006 book was the first of its kind to specifically address the comprehensive introduction to the mathematical principles needed by modern social scientists. The material introduces basic mathematical principles necessary to do analytical work in the social sciences, starting from first principles, but without unnecessary complexity. The core purpose is to present fundamental notions in standard notation and standard language with a clear, unified framework throughout. Through examples and exercises, this book is intended to not only motivate specific mathematical principles and practices, but also introduce the way that social science researchers use these tools. The intended emphasis is on conceptual understanding of key principles and their subsequent application.

Essential Mathematics for Political and Social Research addresses an educational deficiency in the social and behavioral sciences. This 2006 book was the first of its kind to specifically address the comprehensive introduction to the mathematical principles needed by modern social scientists. The material introduces basic mathematical principles necessary to do analytical work in the social sciences, starting from first principles, but without unnecessary complexity. The core purpose is to present fundamental notions in standard notation and standard language with a clear, unified framework throughout. Through examples and exercises, this book is intended to not only motivate specific mathematical principles and practices, but also introduce the way that social science researchers use these tools. The intended emphasis is on conceptual understanding of key principles and their subsequent application.

This book is your own personal PhD coach. It's not just about surviving your PhD, it's about thriving in the experience. Taking a unique self-coaching approach, this book will enable you to understand how to navigate your way through the various challenges posed by PhD study with resilience, self-sufficiency, and the determination to succeed. Each chapter contains self-coaching challenges so that you can discover what works for you and generate fresh ideas to enable you to move forwards, banish self-doubt, bust procrastination, and realise your full potential to make the most of your PhD experience.Your PhD Coach will enable you to: Build resilience and self-leadershipChallenge yourself to be focused and achieve aspiring goalsFind the right balance and nurture stronger relationshipsDevelop your confidence, creativity and motivation Using a coaching philosophy that helps you realize your own solutions and develop your own strategies to move forward, the book is packed full of techniques, tips and tricks applicable to a wide range of circumstances both within the PhD process and beyond - an essential book for all those taking on the challenge of PhD research. "Medd and Gill go deep into the under the skin of what it is like to do a PhD, pull out the reality of the operation and offer some sound advice. They provide effective techniques to bust the 'gremlins' - the voices in the head - that can haunt postgraduate researchers and diminish the research experience. I urge all research students (and supervisors) to read this very accessible book. It will help them reflect deeper into their research experience and help build confidence in themselves and (re)gain satisfaction in their work and studies." Dr Richard Hinchcliffe, Academic Development, Centre for Lifelong Learning, University of Liverpool, UK"Coaching empowered me to reclaim my PhD and this book will enable many more students to do the same. Will Medd and Jeff Gill have a deep understanding of the PhD process and students reading this book, at any stage in their PhD, will find themselves thinking 'Wow, that is exactly how I feel!' The book challenges the inevitability of the 'PhD steam-roller' and its comfortable and chatty tone creates a friendly guide for those struggling with the demands of a PhD and inspiration for those who want to get the most from the whole experience." Beth Brockett, PhD Student, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, UK

This book is about you. It's about how you can shape your student experience based on what matters to you. It helps you to 'get sorted', take control and make the most of your time at college or university. This unique and practical self-coaching guide bridges the gap between student life, academic performance and employability skills. It actively encourages students to discover ways to shape their outlooks and experiences. - There are a host of useful illustrations, diagrams, checklists, exercises and real student stories to help you get the most from the book. - It's easy to find your way around the chapters so you can pick the bits that are most relevant for you. Regardless of your subject, level of study or reasons for doing a degree, Get Sorted will prove invaluable in helping you to navigate the challenges of your student journey, and beyond.