Haig B.D. The Philosophy of Quantitative Methods

Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2018. — 169 p. — (Understanding Statistics). — ISBN 978–0–19–022205–5.The Philosophy of Quantitative Methods focuses on the conceptual foundations of research methods within the behavioral sciences. In particular, it undertakes a close philosophical examination of a variety of quantitative research methods that are prominent in (or relevant for) the conduct of research in these fields. By doing so, the deep structure of these methods is examined in order to overcome the non-critical approaches typically found in the existing literature today.
In this book, Brian D. Haig focuses on the more well-known research methods such as exploratory data analysis, statistical significant testing, Bayesian confirmation theory and statistics, meta-analysis, and exploratory factor analysis. These methods are then examined with a philosophy consistent of scientific realism. In addition, each chapter provides a helpful Further Reading section in order to better assist the reader in extending their own thinking and research methods specific to their needs.The Philosophy of Quantitative Methods
Scientific Realism and Its Methodology
Theories of Scientific Method
Book Overview and Chapter Summary
A Note for the ReaderExploratory Data AnalysisWhat Is Exploratory Data Analysis?
Two Methods of Exploratory Data Analysis
The Four Rs of Exploratory Data Analysis
Exploratory Data Analysis and Scientific Method
Exploratory Data Analysis After Tukey
Resampling Methods
A Philosophy for Teaching Data AnalysisFurther ReadingTests of Statistical SignificanceNull Hypothesis Significance Testing: Psychology’s Textbook Hybrid
The Neo-Fisherian Perspective
The Error-Statistical Perspective
What Should We Think About Tests of Significance?Further ReadingBayesianismBayesianism in Psychology
Bayesian Confirmation Theory
Bayesianism and the Hypothetico-Deductive Method
Bayesianism and Inference to the Best Explanation
Two Common Criticisms of Bayesianism
What Should We Think About Bayesian Confirmation Theory?
A Neo-Popperian Philosophy of Bayesian StatisticsFurther ReadingMeta-AnalysisGlass’s Rationale for Meta-Analysis
Meta-Analysis and Scientific Discovery
Meta-Analysis and Phenomena Detection
Meta-Analysis and Scientific ExplanationFurther ReadingExploratory Factor AnalysisExploratory Factor Analysis and Scientific Inference
The Principle of the Common Cause
Methodological Challenges to Exploratory Factor Analysis
Exploratory Factor Analysis and Other Factor Analytic MethodsFurther ReadingChief Lessons Learned
A Final Word