Maximum Likelihood for Social Science
Strategies for Analysis

Practical, example-driven introduction to maximum likelihood for the social sciences. Emphasizes computation in R, model selection and interpretation.

Michael D. Ward (Author), John S. Ahlquist (Author)

9781107185821, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 22 November 2018

322 pages, 49 b/w illus. 43 tables
23.5 x 15.8 x 2.1 cm, 0.59 kg

'… offer[s] an excellent text with the goal to introduce social scientists to the maximum likelihood principle in a practical way.' M. Oromaner, Choice

This volume provides a practical introduction to the method of maximum likelihood as used in social science research. Ward and Ahlquist focus on applied computation in R and use real social science data from actual, published research. Unique among books at this level, it develops simulation-based tools for model evaluation and selection alongside statistical inference. The book covers standard models for categorical data as well as counts, duration data, and strategies for dealing with data missingness. By working through examples, math, and code, the authors build an understanding about the contexts in which maximum likelihood methods are useful and develop skills in translating mathematical statements into executable computer code. Readers will not only be taught to use likelihood-based tools and generate meaningful interpretations, but they will also acquire a solid foundation for continued study of more advanced statistical techniques.

Part I. Concepts, Theory, and Implementation: 1. Introduction to maximum likelihood
2. Theory
3. Maximum likelihood for binary outcomes
4. Implementing MLE
Part II. Model Evaluation and Interpretation: 5. Model evaluation and selection
6. Inference and interpretation
Part III. The Generalized Linear Model: 7. The generalized linear model
8. Ordered categorical variable models 9. Models for nominal data
10. Strategies for analyzing count data
Part IV. Advanced Topics: 10. Duration
11. Strategies for missing data
Part V. A Look Ahead: 13. Epilogue
Index.

Subject Areas: Politics & government [JP], Research methods: general [GPS], Research & information: general [GP]