Calculating and Computing for Social Science and Arts Students

This text provides an introduction to the mathematics and computing skills that undergraduates in the social sciences and arts are likely to need in their courses. The first part takes the reader through the basics of arithmatics, algebra and the application of statistical methods to social science and arts subjects. Relevant examples are provided at all stages. These are designed to be relevant to both study and everyday life. The second part of this text illustrates the basic features of computing and takes the reader through the applications that he or she is likely to need. Word-processors, spreadsheets, databases and statistical packages are all described and discussed in a practical way. Once again, relevant examples are provided at all stages. This introductory guide should be useful to nearly all students of the arts and social sciences, and should be of particular value as a set textbook for lecturers involved in running supplemental instruction programmes.