Written in a humorous and encouraging style, this text shows how the most common statistical tools can be used to answer interesting real-world questions, presented as mysteries to be solved. Engaging research examples lead the reader through a series of six steps, from identifying a researchable problem to stating a hypothesis, identifying independent and dependent variables, and selecting and interpreting appropriate statistical tests. All techniques are demonstrated both manually and with the help of SPSS software. The book provides students and others who may need to read and interpret statistically based research with the essential knowledge and skills needed to make decisions based on data. Useful pedagogical features include: checklists of key words and formulas in every chapter examples of SPSS screenshots used for analyzing data cautionary notes plus "putting it all together" section recaps end-of-chapter self-quizzes (with full answers and explanations) glossary of terms