Reviewed by Stephen J. Young Case Western Reserve University

The book Quantitative Methods for Historians provides a practical guide to the use of statistics in historical research. It takes its readers on an intriguing tour through the initially mystifying realm of statistical analysis. The authors use excellent examples to demonstrate the value and ease with which varying levels of quantification can be applied to the subject.

The book is both an advocate and a guide to the statistical study of past events. The authors feel strongly that quantification can be very helpful in studying history. They take issue with those who feel the statistics taint historical study, suggesting quantitative analysis is merely another angle of investigation. The book begins and ends with a defense of the use of statistical methods.

Of major issue is the value of rigorous statistics to historical research. On this position, the authors are clearly in favor of some level of quantification. They point out that quantitative information can explain certain types of information efficiently, and discuss both advantages and disadvantages of the use of statistics. The first three chapters are dedicated to explaining the value and limitations of statistics to the historian.

The discussion of computer use in the research process is a central issue in the work. Several chapters discuss the fundamentals of computerized research. They focus on explaining the basics of word processing, database use, and statistical packages. Much practical advice is given on how to package a sample into a form amenable to computer use.

The remainder of the book is a general overview of statistical procedures. The book assumes no prior statistics knowledge. It therefore begins with the basics of sampling and data collection and preparation. It then discusses statistical topics varying from simple mean and standard deviation concepts to complex multiequation regression formulation.
The authors attempt to avoid the complex mathematics of the processes, instead focusing on the interpretation of results. They do this by using extended examples of real data taken from the Colonial period of American history. This methodology goes a long way to enliven an otherwise dull topic. It also helps to explain how potentially complex statistical relationships are interrelated.

The coverage of statistical procedures is extensive. However, it is also necessarily somewhat brief. This shortfall is understandable given the sheer magnitude of their chosen topic. Instead, the authors stress the availability and ease of statistical computations by giving readers a wide variety of samples. They focus on the advent of microcomputing power and its ability to handle even large data sets efficiently. At the same time, computers provide an operational simplicity that attracts a wide group of nonmathematicians.

It becomes obvious that the authors feel strongly about the value that the application of statistics would bring to historical study. However, they make clear that statistics are not always an appropriate tool of explanation. This subtle, but important, point is often overlooked by novice statisticians.

The last chapter is dedicated to reiterating the role of quantitative methods in the study of history. The authors are critical of those who deride the use of statistics in history. The critics suggest that much historical data is too incomplete for the proper application of statistics. This contention is simply incorrect. Statistics can be tailored to overcome such problems. The use of all available tools of discovery can provide value to the study of history.

In their urge to promote quantification, the authors fail to explain the training required to properly interpret statistical results. Like all sophisticated instruments, statistics can be dangerous to the uninitiated. Readers should not be lulled into a false sense of expertise after reading this work. Statistics and their interpretation are not quite as simple as the authors would have us believe.

The greatest value of this book is its simplicity. Simplicity is also its chief source of weakness. The book is an excellent entree into the vast realm of statistical analysis. It provides a brief tour through that large universe. No single work could fully explain the breadth of statistics that are mentioned in this work. The book only briefly touches on the more complex topics.

In summary, Quantitative Methods explains basic statistical concepts clearly and practically. The book discusses the problems and rewards of quantitative analysis. It also provides a brief but enlightening discussion of such methods. The authors intended that the book be a guide to historians. They have done remarkably well in fulfilling that goal.