A Step-by-Step Approach to Using SAS for Univariate and Multivariate Statistics

Introduction

Statistics can feel daunting, especially when you are just beginning your research journey. Whether you are a postgraduate student in psychology, sociology, or education, or a working professional analyzing survey data, having a clear guide makes all the difference. A Step-by-Step Approach to Using SAS for Univariate and Multivariate Statistics, Second Edition is written with the Indian student in mind — it breaks down complex statistical concepts into simple, everyday language. This book is not just about learning SAS software; it is about understanding which statistical test to use and why, all while following the rigorous standards expected in academic publishing.

Book Overview

This second edition has been fully updated for SAS 9, making it relevant for today’s research environment. The book takes you from the very basics — data entry and data manipulation — all the way to advanced multivariate techniques like MANOVA and principal component analysis. Each chapter includes practice data sets inspired by real studies, so you learn by doing. The author, Norm O’Rourke, has designed the content to mirror the way Indian universities teach research methodology: step by step, with plenty of examples and clear outputs. By the end, you will be able to run your own analyses, interpret SAS output, and write up results in APA format — a skill essential for publishing in international journals.

Key Highlights

• Updated for SAS 9 — Covers the latest version of the software used in Indian research labs and universities.
• Clear, jargon-free explanations — Perfect for first-time users of statistics or SAS.
• Real-world practice data — Inspired by actual studies in social and behavioral sciences.
• APA format guidance — Learn to write results sections exactly as journals require.
• Comprehensive coverage — From descriptive stats to multivariate analysis in one volume.
• Hardcover edition — Durable for years of reference on your desk.

Inside the Book

This book is structured to guide you through the entire research process. The first chapters introduce SAS basics: how to enter data, create variables, and clean your dataset. Then you move into descriptive statistics and measures of bivariate association. Midway, you tackle t-tests (both independent and paired samples), ANOVA, and MANOVA. The later chapters cover multiple regression, principal component analysis, and scale assessment. Every chapter follows the same pattern: choose the right statistic, understand the assumptions, write the SAS code, run the analysis, read the output, and write the results in APA style. There are also troubleshooting tips for common errors Indian students face when running SAS on local systems.

Key Topics

• Simple descriptive statistics and frequency distributions
• Measures of bivariate association (correlation, chi-square)
• Independent samples and paired samples t-tests
• One-way and factorial ANOVA
• Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA)
• Multiple linear regression
• Principal component analysis
• Scale reliability and validity assessment
• SAS data step programming and output interpretation

Reader Benefits

By working through this book, you will gain the confidence to handle your own research data independently. You will no longer need to rely on a statistician for every analysis. The step-by-step format means you can progress at your own pace, revisiting chapters as needed. The emphasis on APA formatting is especially valuable for Indian students aiming to publish in international journals. Additionally, understanding multivariate statistics opens doors to more sophisticated research designs, which can strengthen your PhD thesis or dissertation. The hardcover binding ensures the book remains intact even after frequent use in libraries or study rooms.

Learning Outcomes

• Choose the correct statistical test for your research question
• Write SAS programs to perform univariate and multivariate analyses
• Interpret complex SAS output with confidence
• Report results in APA format (7th edition style)
• Understand assumptions behind each statistical procedure
• Manipulate and clean data using SAS data steps
• Apply multivariate techniques like MANOVA and principal component analysis to real data

Who Should Read

This book is ideal for postgraduate students in psychology, sociology, education, nursing, and other social sciences. It is also highly useful for faculty members who want to refresh their SAS skills or teach a statistics lab. Research analysts in market research firms, NGOs, and government agencies in India will find the practical examples easy to adapt. If you are a beginner with no prior SAS experience, this book is your perfect starting point. Even if you have used other statistical software like SPSS or Stata, the clear explanations will help you transition to SAS smoothly.

About the Author

Norm O’Rourke is an experienced researcher and educator with decades of expertise in applied statistics. He has taught university-level statistics courses and workshops across multiple countries, including India. His teaching philosophy is rooted in making statistics accessible to non-mathematicians. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles using the very techniques explained in this book, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges students face. His writing style is patient and encouraging, as if a senior professor is sitting beside you, guiding each step.

About the Publisher

SAS Institute is the world leader in analytics software and solutions. Headquartered in the United States, SAS has a strong presence in India with offices in Pune, Bengaluru, and New Delhi. The institute is known for its high-quality technical publications that combine software expertise with pedagogical rigor. This book is part of their educational series designed to help students and professionals master SAS for academic research. SAS Institute’s commitment to accuracy and clarity is evident in every chapter, making this a trusted resource in Indian universities and research institutions.

Conclusion

Whether you are preparing for your first research project or aiming to publish your findings in a top-tier journal, A Step-by-Step Approach to Using SAS for Univariate and Multivariate Statistics, Second Edition is the companion you need. It demystifies both the software and the statistics, saving you hours of frustration. With practice data, clear examples, and APA writing tips tailored for social science research, this book is an investment in your academic success. Order your hardcover copy from Bookshops.in today and take the first step toward becoming a confident, independent data analyst.