Statistics as Principled Argument

In Statistics as Principled Argument, first published in 1995, delved into the often-dismissed problems of interpreting quantitative data and then presented them in the context of a coherent story about one's research. This classic edition offers a new introduction situating Abelson's work through a contemporary lens.

Robert P. Abelson was a professor in the psychology and political science departments at Yale University. He made foundational contributions to social psychology, political psychology, and cognitive science, as well as important contributions to statistics.

Preface to the Classic Edition by Lynn C. Miller and Stephen J. Read Preface to the 1995 edition Abelson's Laws 1. Making Claims with Statistics 2. Elementary Arguments and the Role of Chance 3. Magnitude of Effects 4. Styles of Rhetoric 5. On Suspecting Fishiness 6. Articulation of Results: Ticks and Buts 7. Generality of Effects 8. Interestingness of Argument 9. Credibility of Argument