A step-by-step guide through various stages of data preparation and analysis, this text demonstrates descriptive and inferential statistics in communication studies.This book equips communication students with the tools they need to engage in quantitative research, ensuring that they understand why the statistical tools they chose are most appropriate for their data. Using examples and data directly relevant to communication researchers, this text provides guidance on how to use and interpret SPSS and write up results, with further guidance via free online material in using Excel and R. Instead of focusing on formulas and in-depth mathematics, this book provides a hands-on approach to understanding the theory, practice, and application of statistical methods in communication. In addition to covering the standard statistical tools used to analyze social science data for hypothesis testing (e.g., correlation, regression, ANOVA), it also covers advanced factor-analytic techniques specific to measurement validation as well as data visualization guidance.Ideally suited for statistics or quantitative methods courses in communication studies programs at the advanced and graduate level.Online resources include tutorials on SPSS, Excel, and R for key constructs and practice quizzes for students. Instructors will find an instructor manual and test bank. Please visit www.routledge.com/9781032814872.