Written especially for undergraduate students taking their first course in social statistics, this highly accessible bestselling text has been thoroughly revised and updated with the latest General Social Survey data. This new Fourth Edition maintains the same informal, conversational writing style along with the many pedagogical features have led to the previous editions' widespread success. It also introduces new social issues, including more analysis of cultural diversity. In this Fourth Edition, the authors have introduced a strong global perspective by using real-life examples from the International Social Survey Programme that help expand the students' analytical focus beyond the United States.