European University Institute Library

Maximum likelihood for social science, strategies for analysis, Michael D. Ward, John S. Ahlquist

eng

Includes bibliographical references and index

illustrations

index present

non fiction

Maximum likelihood for social science

bibliography

1027807777

Michael D. Ward, John S. Ahlquist

Analytical methods for social research

strategies for analysis

"This volume provides a practical introduction to the method of maximum likelihood as used in social science research. Ward and Ahlquist focus on applied computation in R and use real social science data from actual, published research. Unique among books at this level, it develops simulation-based tools for model evaluation and selection alongside statistical inference. The book covers standard models for categorical data as well as counts, duration data, and strategies for dealing with data missingness. By working through examples, math, and code, the authors build an understanding about the contexts in which maximum likelihood methods are useful and develop skills in translating mathematical statements into executable computer code. Readers will not only be taught to use likelihood-based tools and generate meaningful interpretations, but they will also acquire a solid foundation for continued study of more advanced statistical techniques"--, Provided by publisher

Part I. Concepts, theory, and implementation. Introduction to maximum likelihood -- Theory and properties of maximum likelihood estimators -- Maximum likelihood for binary outcomes -- Implementing MLE -- Part II. Model evaluation and interpretation. Model evaluation and selection -- Inference and interpretation -- Part III. The Generalized linear model. The generalized linear model -- Ordered categorical variable models -- Models for nominal data -- Strategies for analyzing count data -- Part IV. Advanced topics. Strategies for temporal dependence: duration models -- Strategies for missing data -- Part V. A Look Ahead. Epilogue