Foreword

Abstract

Statistics is a vital part of social science training. In the United States, statistical understanding is required for undergraduate academic degrees across the social sciences. It is considered an indispensable component of research methods and a prerequisite for postgraduate study, which typically includes further study in advanced and specialised statistical topics. In the United Kingdom, statistical analysis is fast becoming a priority for postgraduate training although undergraduate degrees in sociology and related fields tend to place less emphasis on quantitative methods. British undergraduates gain experience in use of qualitative research techniques through completion of the undergraduate dissertation. In my experience, as a visiting lecturer at the Institute of Criminology, the University of Malta tends to blend the best of both traditions. Maltese students have the opportunity to learn statistical techniques at the undergraduate level, and further, to incorporate these in methodological designs for undergraduate dissertations.