A foundational understanding of statistical tools is essential for postgraduate and Ph.D. candidates, especially those involved in research. However, for students without a background in statistics, grasping these concepts and their applications can be challenging. Statistical Methods for Research: A Step-by-Step Approach Using IBM SPSS is designed to help beginners gain a clear and practical understanding of key statistical tools and how to use them effectively in research. Written in a simplified and accessible style, the book addresses common doubts that arise among new learners. It covers a broad range of quantitative methods of data analysis with clarity and practical examples, making statistical reasoning easier to comprehend. Sampling and probability are presented in dedicated chapters, offering structured insights into their importance in the research process. The book also includes a step-by-step guide to using IBM SPSS for statistical analysis, supported by diagrams that enhance comprehension. An exclusive chapter on parametric hypothesis testing with SPSS allows for in-depth exploration, while two-variable analysis, including correlation and regression, is thoroughly explained. The inclusion of SPSS datasets facilitates practical application, making this book an indispensable resource for students and researchers seeking to integrate statistical analysis into their research work.
Prof. K. Kalyanaraman is a statistician with over five decades of expertise in academia, research, and consultancy. A retired professor from the Department of Statistics at the University of Kerala, he is renowned for his contributions to research methodology and analytics. Frequently invited as a distinguished expert to academic staff colleges, he also provides consultancy to esteemed multinational software corporations. An accomplished author, he has published extensively in national and international journals, and has applied his statistical acumen to more than 1,000 Ph.D. dissertations across diverse fields.
Dr. Hareesh N. Ramanathan, M.Phil. and Ph.D. in Management, is Professor and Head of the Department of Management Studies at Toc H Institute of Science and Technology, Kochi. A sought-after speaker at AICTE- and UGC-sponsored workshops on research methodology and data analysis, he also consults for NGOs and individual clients in business analytics and research. His areas of expertise include research methodology, marketing research, and research analytics using IBM SPSS and IBM AMOS.
Dr. P. N. Harikumar, MBA, Ph.D., heads the Post-Graduate Department of Commerce & Tourism at Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta, Kerala. He has published 75 research papers in esteemed national and international journals, and presented at 21 international conferences and over 25 national seminars. A seasoned organizer, he has conducted numerous workshops, seminars, and faculty development programmes on the application of advanced statistical techniques in research, with a focus on multivariate analysis, panel data analysis, and time-series regression mode. Four scholars have completed their Ph.D. studies under his guidance.
