Many professional, high-quality surveys collect data on people's behaviour, experiences, lifestyles and attitudes. The data they produce is more accessible than ever before. This book provides students with a comprehensive introduction to using this data, as well as transactional data and big data sources, in their own research projects. Here you will find all you need to know about locating, accessing, preparing and analysing secondary data, along with step-by-step instructions for using IBM SPSS Statistics.

You will learn how to:

• Create a robust research question and design that suits secondary analysis
• Locate, access and explore data online
• Understand data documentation
• Check and 'clean' secondary data
• Manage and analyse your data to produce meaningful results
• Replicate analyses of data in published articles and books

Using case studies and video animations to illustrate each step of your research, this book provides you with the quantitative analysis skills you'll need to pass your course, complete your research project and compete in the job market. Exercises throughout the book and on the book's companion website give you an opportunity to practice, check your understanding and work hands on with real data as you're learning.

About the Author
From 2009 to 2014 John was the Strategic Advisor to the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) on quantitative methods training overseeing the genesis and launch of the Q-Step programme. From 2015 to 2020 he was Strategic Advisor to the British Academy on Quantitative skills and a member of the British Academy's High Level Strategy group on Quantitative Skills. John is a Chartered Statistician and was Vice President (Professional Affairs) of the Royal Statistical Society 2019-20. He has held research grants from the European Commission, UK ESRC, British Academy, Leverhulme trust and British, Spanish and Catalan government departments.

Reviews
'For a generation we have been waiting for a really good introduction to secondary data analysis. This is it.'
-- Malcolm Williams

'A concise, compelling and engaging new text, this is a valuable addition to the bookshelves of anyone wanting to really get to grips with secondary data analysis.'

-- Alasdair Rae
'An excellent text that engages with the real-world practice of analysing existing quantitative data resources. The book covers the neglected issues of data documentation, data management, and replication that are central to effective research.' -- Roxanne Connelly
'There are lots of books about statistics. But there are very few that tell students what they really need to know: how to acquire and manage data, and how to use them to answer questions relevant to their studies. This book fills the gap in a clearly written and user-friendly way, and is full of interesting and practical examples. It should be core reading.' -- Richard Harris
'MacInnes shows newcomers the possibilities before them and teaches the safeguards needed to make the most of secondary data.' -- Michael Hout
'Accessibly written, this is a friendly and indispensable companion for any student embarking on a secondary data analysis project. A breath of fresh air.'
-- Luke Sloan



Book Information
ISBN 9781446285763
Author John MacInnes
Format Hardback
Page Count 336
Imprint Sage Publications Ltd
Publisher Sage Publications Ltd
Weight(grams) 760g