Introduction to Time Series Analysis and Forecasting

Key Features:

• Describes principal approaches to time series analysis and forecasting
  
• Presents examples from public opinion research, policy analysis, political science, economics, and sociology
  
• Free Web site contains the data used in most chapters, facilitating learning
  
• Math level pitched to general social science usage
  
• Glossary makes the material accessible for readers at all levels

Benefits:

• Explains a variety of methods of time series analysis and forecasting for those with a basic backround in college mathematics
  
• Gives criteria and means of evaluating models and forecasts
  
• Shows that the more complex models are not always the most accurate
  
• Explains methods that improve existing forecasts
  
• Finds required sample sizes for adequate statistical power in common models
  
• Teaches how to apply these techniques using SAS and SPSS
  
• Examples from areas of topical interest in the social sciences--political science, sociology, economics, and policy analysis. Examinations include trends in international terrorism; electoral impact analysis; the background and impact of presidential scandals on public perceptions of job performance; the decline in defense and space spending; public trust in government