An introductory guide to smoothing techniques, semiparametric estimators, and their related methods, this book describes the methodology via a selection of carefully explained examples and data sets. It also demonstrates the potential of these techniques using detailed empirical examples drawn from the social and political sciences. Each chapter includes exercises and examples and there is a supplementary website containing all the datasets used, as well as computer code, allowing readers to replicate every analysis reported in the book. Includes software for implementing the methods in S-Plus and R.

Luke J. Keele – Department of Political Science, Ohio State University, US Since acquiring his PhD, Dr Keele has published work in a number of international journals, including papers on this specific topic. He has also taught the material for the proposed book at Ohio State University and presented it at international meetings.Dr Keele is a political scientist by trade but has considerable experience in applying statistical techniques to social science applications.