Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences

Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences, 6th Edition, authored by Susan A. Nolan and Kelly M. Goedert, is an introductory textbook designed to build quantitative literacy among behavioral science students. The text connects statistical techniques directly to fundamental research design, establishing a clear framework for analyzing observational and experimental data.

The material begins with descriptive statistics, detailing frequency distributions, data visualization, central tendency, and variability. It then introduces core probability concepts, sampling distributions, standard scores, and the normal curve, providing the theoretical background necessary for initial hypothesis testing with z tests.

A closing framework instructs readers on choosing and reporting statistics correctly within empirical research reports. To assist students who need to refresh foundational skills, the textbook incorporates a dedicated reference for basic mathematics in Appendix A, statistical reference tables in Appendix B, and verified solutions to Check Your Learning items in Appendix D.