***DRAFT***Do you find mastering research and statistical methods in the vast field of social sciences daunting? This book serves as an accessible introduction, guiding you through the core concepts needed to navigate data with confidence. From designing a study to presenting results, this text goes back to basics and provides a modern approach to understanding statistics. This first edition also offers: Comprehensive Coverage: Explores essential statistical methods relevant to social sciences, from descriptive statistics to spatial and temporal pattern analysis. An Accessible Writing Style: Engages students with a science communication approach, simplifying complex concepts. Visual Learning: Utilises figures and graphics to enhance understanding, making data presentation a key focus. Global Relevance: Includes examples with broad global applicability. With an array of online resources, this book is a must-have resource for building foundational skills in research and statistics as a beginner social scientist. Tom Peringis a Senior Lecturer in the School of Geography and Planning at the University of Sheffield.