Discovering statistics using SPSS for Windows.

The book Discovering Statistics Using SPSS for Windows is exactly that! Since it calculates amazingly fast, in the recent years, the computer has become the most useful and helpful tool for the researchers in almost every field of knowledge be it open and distance education, psychology, sociology, management or else. Quality research not only depends on fair data collection techniques but also on the respectable treatment of that data. Once the data have been collected, what is most important is the storage of data, their fast and 'as it is' retrieval when required, and their proper processing and analyses. Computers are of immense help in all these operations. However, it is interesting to note that computer is just a tool and what it will vomit (or produce) depends entirely upon the fingers and mind of its operator (or the researcher in the research settings). The computer has no mind (up to now!). So, it is the researcher who should be held responsible for the unfair treatment of the data. Proper treatment of the research data not only requires research attitude but also research aptitude, and proficiency and a solid background in statistical treatment of the data. For this purpose, some good textbooks are available that explain statistical theory and techniques. And some other good textbooks are also there on the role of computers and statistical software (e.g. SPSS) in the practical application of these statistical procedures employed on the data through computers. Here, the present book by Andy Field is a rare and excellent combination of both statistical theory as well as statistical treatment of the data using SPSS under one umbrella.