The very word "statistics" can induce panic or cynicism and the necessity of studying statistics is often regarded as a test of endurance rather than an educational opportunity. This book aims to demonstrate that the study of statistics can be involving and even pleasurable. By minimizing specialist terminology and by utilizing an authentic set of research data, the text provides an introduction to the uses of quantitative methods in social research. It also provides an argument for the value of such methods and aims to provide readers with a working knowledge of computing, relating this directly to the demands of statistical analysis.