Introduction to Quantitative Methods for Historians

by Roderick Floud

Many statements made by historians are quantitative statements, involving the use of measurable historical evidence. The historian who uses quantitative methods to analyse and interpret such information needs to be well acquainted with the particular methods and techniques of analysis and to be able to make the best use of the data that are available. There is an increasing need for training in such methods and in the interpretation of the large volume of literature now using quantitative techniques. Dr Flouds text, which is relevant to all branches of historical inquiry, provides a straightforward and intelligible introduction for all students and research workers.
The simpler and more useful techniques of descriptive and analytical statistics are described, up to the level of simple linear regression. Historical examples are used throughout, and great attention is paid to the need to ensure that the techniques are consistent with the quality of the data and with the historical problems they are intended to solve. Attention is paid to problems of the analysis of time series, which are of particular use to historians. No previous knowledge of statistics is assumed, and the simple mathematical techniques that are used are fully and clearly explained, without the use of more mathematical knowledge than is provided by an O-level course. A bibliography is provided to guide historians towards the most useful further reading. This student friendly text was first published in 1973.

200 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1973

Reviews

[子涵 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhat disappointing. The “methods” are roughly a first class on applied statistics, while the historian’s unique perspective on quantitative methods is missing. Readers with a non-statistical background might as well go directly to Statistics (Freedman et al., 1997), and others may get to know about Chayanov’s works (solid descriptive analyses of cross-sectional data). The matter is that quantitative historical research by economists is poor, with many assumptions directly contradicting historical facts (e.g., the classic paper examining the impact of sweet potatoes on the peasant revolts of the late Ming Dynasty in ancient China. The fact is that sweet potatoes did not spread to the northwest where peasant revolts were concentrated at that time), and many have a schematic and fragmented view of history. Quantitative history requires the participation of historians (a somewhat ironic statement) and a set of methodologies for handling and using the material that are generally accepted. The closest part of this book is the introduction, and I look forward to more works that really get to the heart of the matter.

[Eric Pecile · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are fancying doing any sort of historical analysis that will touch upon quantitative data, this manual is the optimal reference for those new to handling numerical data sets. Very dry, but an excellent and in some cases necessary point of reference for organizing figures in historical analysis.