The text presents the information in a logical order. There isn't much changing in the introductory stats world, so I have no concerns about the book becoming outdated rapidly. The quality, layout, terminology, sections and overall value of each chapter are all internally consistent. The hyperlinks are working effectively, and the glossary is valuable. Additionally, the chapters have a list of robust practice problems. No grammatical errors were found while reviewing select pages of this text at random. As a result Introduction to Statistics is a smaller and less intimidating textbook that trades some extended and unnecessary topics for a better-focused presentation of the central material. The thirty three case studies are excellent and can be supplement with some other online case studies. Introdotory Statistics … Like some other authors, the authors of this text have chosen to cover inference for a mean before inference for a proportion. It has a good selection pf problems, including answers to the odd numbered problems. For instance: One of the best … Often times I like to teach a few topics out of order or merge topics within various chapters together in order for me to explain material better. The applications within the chapter are accessible and can be used fairly easily over a couple of editions. Using the textbook outside of that geographic context may prove to be a limitation in terms of asking students to grasp an understanding of the problem domain before attempting a statistical solution. Content is marginally up-to-date. In addition to journal articles and this statistic textbook he has co-authored with V. G. Romanovski (Maribor, Slovenia) a graduate textbook in his research specialty. The book begins with descriptive statistics and spread of data and moves into population sampling and introduction to basic probability, followed by inferential statistical testing. This textbook is extremely consistent internally. But it is a very challenging chapter for students. To do this concisely is difficult. • Men are at least 10 times more likely than women to commit murder. This text adopts a descriptive style of presentation with topics well and fully explained, much like the “Dummy series”. Basic Probability 1.1 Basic De nitions Trials? It also has a formula review at the end of each chapter. This book came out a number of years ago, but the material is still up to date. Some plots and calculations were randomly selected and checked for accuracy. The consensus introductory statistics curriculum is typically presented in three major units: (1) Descriptive statistics and study design (first third of course), (2) Probability and sampling distributions (second third of course), and (3) Statistical inference (final third of course). The terminology is standard with one exception: the book calls what most people call the interquartile range, the H-spread in a number of places. This book uses a very standard order for the material. However at the end of each of these sections there are a few multiple choice questions to test yourself. Instructors who want to cover correlation and regression earlier in the course, however, would be able to do so by skipping the section on inference for the slope. Mathematical Modeling I - preliminary. I found most instructions in the book to be very detailed and clear for students to follow. It covers the fundamental of the introductory statistics, however not a comprehensive text on the subject. However, I did not see anything offensive or biased in the book. Meanwhile for this same content the on-line version appears streamlined, uncluttered, enhancing the value of the active links. I also appreciate the fact that there are not many run on chapters where numerous topics are all introduced within a given section. The only sections that feel somewhat light in terms of content are the confidence intervals and ANOVA sections. It is a comprehensive text, but goes light on (or omits) some topics which some instructors would like to cover. With the advent of computers and software’s, complex statistical analysis can be done very easily. read more,
Journalism, Media Studies & Communications. Users can conduct a word search but that can be awkward. The content is accurate. The organization of material is similar in each chapter
,Instructor's manual, PowerPoint Slides, and additional questions are available. Yes, it is consistent (including reliance on the computationally efficient formulae which I do not like). A particularly useful feature is the learning objective that has been given for each Section.
,The terminology and notation used in the textbook is pretty standard. In all, this book is a good learning experience. Both the table of content and index was missing in this text, which makes it hard to know exactly what page you have to go and read the topic you want to. read more. read more. I did not see any index or glossary. The histogram material could have been merged with the data presentation materials of Chapter 1, and maybe added newer presentation forms such as maps and sparklines, to have a more comprehensive data presentation chapter. Essentials of Statistics. read more, Overall the book is quite solid. Some materials may not need to be covered in an one-semester course. Each chapter comes with plenty of exercises and exercise answers. Online Statistics: An Interactive Multimedia Course of Study is a resource for learning and teaching introductory statistics. Text concepts are current and could easily be tweaked in the future to prevent becoming a rather "dated" tool. I did not find any errors in the formulas presented but I did not work many end-of-chapter problems to gauge the accuracy of their answers. Elementary Algebra Exercise Book … The probability sections do not include any significant combinatorics work, which is sometimes included at this level. When comparing numerous statistical textbooks to this book, the level of comprehensiveness is consistent with other material published and in some cases such as the use of examples it is actually more comprehensive than many of the published statistics textbooks for an introductory class. I also think if the graphing calculator ideas are going to be used, a few diagrams feature a "screenshot" of the calculator screen would be appropriate. I found no problem with the writing of the text. Overall, it's well-written and good recourse to be an introduction to statistical methods. So they have integrated the learning of statistics into the understanding of science. For example, one question stated that “while men are XX times more likely to commit murder than women, …” This data should be cited, otherwise the information can be interpreted as biased and offensive. The online version is more visually interesting than the pdf version. Presentation of the topics are well thought and are presented in a logical fashion as if it would be introduced to someone who is learning the contents. While progressing through the text systematically, this is not an issue, but when the reader chooses to skip modules and read select pages then returning to the previous state of information is not easily accessible. The text will not become obsolete any faster than similar introductory statistics books.
,No major issues. Problem sets are appropriate for the level of learner. Many of the case studies contain the actual raw data. The statistical formulas and calculations have been used for centuries. Understanding Statistics. I didn’t find any errors or inaccuracies. It is suitable for an introductory statistics course for non-math majors. It does a good job at covering the breadth and depth of the topics one would expect for an introductory course. For example from page 11: Statistics 10th Edition. This is commonly the flow of many comparable textbooks currently being used in the field. few things: All terminology is thoroughly explained with extensive narrative and in many cases figures, illustrations, and formulas are use as supplemental references to assist with making topics clear. The text book provides an effective index, plenty of exercises, review questions, and practice tests. The binomial distribution is presented as a formula... The text's "modularity" does make the flow of the material a little disconnected. When the earlier matters need to be referenced, it is easy to find; no trouble reading the book and finding results, it has a consistent scheme. The text is very easy to read and the authors have provided good motivations for why and how the statistical methods are used. The writing style is quite accessible. This would make a very good supplement to another text and is very reader friendly. The text presents a good attempt at presenting the introductory statistics topics for students with little previous experience with statistics and probability.
The only noticeable exception in this case was using the Java Applet for calculating Z values in page 261 and in page 416 an excerpt of SPSS analysis is provided for ANOVA calculations. Each chapter is arranged in a very similar manner where the learning objectives are clearly stated followed by definitions, theories, or formulas and then a robust narrative. They are addressed logically and given adequate coverage. The text is internally consistent. no permutation/combination Basic Biostatistics: Statistics … In addition, in order to facilitate the use of technology with the book the authors included “large data set exercises,” where appropriate, that refer to large data sets that are available on the web, and for which use of statistical software is necessary. Project Leader: David M. Lane, Rice University. The links appear to be working correctly. Reviewed by Suhwon Lee, Associate Teaching Professor, University of Missouri on 6/19/18, This book is pretty comprehensive for being a brief introductory book. Statistics textbooks have to cover a wide variety of topics with a fair amount of depth. It is a basic introductory statistics text, but you should be prepared to supplement it if it misses a topic you like to cover. As mentioned above, instructors who want to follow first three of the six recommendations in the GAISE guidelines will be able to do so using this text. I didn't notice any offensive example, actually this book seems to have less word problem/example than other books. As of this writing there are 33 such case studies, and they cover a wide range of issues from health to racial, ethnic, and gender disparity. On the other hand BCCampus might consider having the textbook translated into other languages as its contribution.,Terminology is consistant. While technically correct for large N, this gives a wrong impression about the shape of the Student distribution.
,The text covers some of the areas of the subject, albeit not in-depth. Well explained, though maybe could use some more interesting examples; and maybe could use some definitions comparison etc. An effective index and glossary are included, with functional hyperlinks. Statistics Books This section contains free e-books and guides on Statistics, some of the resources in this section can be viewed online and some of them can be downloadable. The lack of connection to a past reference may create a sense of disconnect between the topics discussed. The online version of the text contains a detailed and functioning hyperlinked Table of Contents for the Chapters and Section headings. The graphics are good to follow. This is a comprehensive enough text, considering that it is not easy to create a comprehensive statistics textbook. The book's interface has no features that distracted me. If not done properly this could lead to deceptive inferences, inadvertently or purposely. Position of the mean on the illustration of a bimodal distribution (page 92) is incorrect. The earlier material is easy to find but not consistently referred to in the text.
The normal approximation to the binomial distribution with continuity correction factor is not presented. This is awkward but not too problematic. The online version has many functions and is easy to navigate. The statistical literacy exercises are particularly interesting. That might be a matter of individual preference. You will soon understand that statistics … no normal approximation for Binomial and Poisson distribution It is the standard organization for an introductory statistics text. It would be straightforward to select portions of the text and reorganize as needed. Material in this book is covered in good detail. I think the smartest thing the author has done is, not tied the book with any particular software such as minitab or spss . The textbook does not necessarily explain the derivation of some of the formulae and this will need to be augmented by the instructor in class discussion. This was an excellent textbook and a good alternative to books that need to be purchased at a high cost in student stores. An Introduction to Basic Statistics and Probability – p. 10/40. There are no permutations and combinations. The Book Presupposes No Advance Knowledge Of Mathematics.Basic Statistics Fully Covers The Syllabi Of Statistics … An effective index and glossary are included, with functional hyperlinks. Since Statistics involves the collection and … It should also be pointed out that while there are a couple of chapters on probability, this book spends presents most formulas as "black boxes" rather than worry about the derivation or origin of the formulas. The text is clearly intended to be used in a sequential manner as it builds upon the prior knowledge chapter by chapter. If instructors want to cover inference for a proportion before inference for a mean, they would find it difficult to use this text. Y' = (0.425)(1) + 0.785 = 1.21. For X = 2, Being an introductory book, the book is unbiased and straight to the point. Most introductory statistics texts use the logical structure of descriptive statistics, probability, and inferential statistics to deliver the materials to new students. Only suggestion would be, since each chapter has several modules, any means such as a header to trace back where you are currently, would certainly help. The textbook is easily readable and the graphics are not bad at all. It would be helpful to have the statistical tables attached in the same package, even though they are available online. Each module is well-defined. The authors have done a good job treating each chapter as if they stand alone. Douglas Shafer is Professor of Mathematics at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. There is a fine line between being concise and clear, which this textbook does well, and being somewhat dry. It is accurate; the subject matter in the examples to be up to date, is timeless and wouldn't need to be revised in future editions; there is no error except a few typographical errors. One aspect of the content that might be useful to include is the bigger picture notion of: How is statistics used in the real world? If the book is to be used for a student population outside of that context, then some changes (either by the authors or instructors) in the diversity of examples will be needed.
,But, this is the same problem instructors have with other similar texts. Some immediate updates that are needed would be: (1) modify chapter 1 to show the links between statistics and real world solutions, (2) directly introduce computer software into the exercises, (3) adapt the questions and examples to be more relevant to an international audience.
It was nice to see some topics such as power, sampling, research design and distribution free methods covered, as these are often omitted in abbreviated texts. This textbook offers a fairly comprehensive summary of what should be discussed in an introductory course in Statistics. The modules are clearly defined and can be used in conjunction with other modules, or individually to exemplify a choice topic. The examples and exercises that wrap around the statistical core could use some modifications. It is certainly arranged in ways that would make altering it -- for example, to update it or make less US-centric it -- pretty straightforward.,Some examples might need to consider citing the sources or use differently to reflect current inclusive teaching strategies. This review originated in the BC Open Textbook Collection and is licensed under CC BY-ND.
, Reviewed by Shivanand Balram, Senior Lecturer, Spatial Information Science, Simon Fraser University on 10/9/13, Most introductory statistics texts use the logical structure of descriptive statistics, probability, and inferential statistics to deliver the materials to new students. The text looks like a professionally published textbook. 1. The book's cultural relevance comes out in the case studies. Finally, I think this book has a great organization, nice examples, and almost a "workbook" approach to the homework helping students step by step. At times it was a bit difficult to read the formulas that were presented in the boxes within some of the chapters, especially when symbols were used. The content is current with the traditional, non-randomization, approach to statistical inference. It would be very simple for a faculty member to select portions of the text and reorganize as needed. Shafer and Zhang wrote Introductory Statistics by using their vast teaching experience to present a complete look at introductory statistics topics while keeping in mind a realistic expectation with respect to course duration and students' maturity level. This site was developed at Rice University, University of Houston-Clear Lake, and Tufts University. Reviewed by Randy Vander Wal, Professor, The Pennsylvania State University on 2/1/18, As a text for an introductory course, standard topics are covered. The text book provides an effective index, plenty of exercises,... The coverage in each topic is very competent and clear. read more. These examples need to be corrected to reflect current inclusive teaching strategies. The text is well sectioned into parts for students to read and understand. The focus of the text is on concepts and explanation. However, there were several sections where the punctuation seemed non-ideal. The contents are free of errors. read more. Another aspect of the content is the heavy reliance on the use of a calculator to perform many of the statistical calculations. FWHM [full width at half maximum] and the variances for both Gaussian components of the distribution are identical, but the components have different amplitudes. Because of the well-structured contents in the textbook, it will be very easy to update it or make changes at any point in time. The authors do a great job of partitioning the text and labeling sections with appropriate headings. There is no evidence of grammatical errors. The text is internally consistent with one exception that I noted (the use of the synonymous words "H-spread" and "interquartile range"). As students increasingly buy TI-89s or Inspires, these sections of the book may lose relevance faster than other parts. This book covers all necessary content areas for an introduction to Statistics course for non-math majors. The textbook covers all chapters required in this level course. But like any good statistics book, each chapter is broken down into sections for each topic. Statistics is essential for all business majors and this text helps students see the role statistics will play in their own careers by providing examples drawn from all functional areas of … View step-by-step homework solutions for your homework. Each section is at most two pages long. It was nice to see some topics such as power, sampling, research design and distribution free methods covered, as these are often omitted in abbreviated texts. I have utilized many introductory statistical textbooks in the past and have checked the content within this book with others and have found that the content is accurate. Each chapter is structured with several modules, each beginning with pre-requisite chapter(s), learning objectives and concluding with Statistical Literacy sections providing a self-check question addressing the core concept, along with answer, followed by an extensive problem set. Each module... This text contains no culturally insensitive or offensive content. Glossary is not provided other than chapter-by-chapter.,An instructor’s manual is available by request. It is fair to say that figures (especially graphs) are used extensively to illustrate the concepts being discussed.
,The authors present the same formulas that are used in other similar texts. No matter what the software is, standard deviation is calculated the same way as it is always. This textbook does a great job transitioning from statistical topics and provides a robust discussion on each topic with a plethora of example problems and practice problems along with answers. SPSS: Stats Practically Short and Simple. Inferential statistics (chapters 7-9) and their applications to statistical model building and testing (chapter 10-11) form the remaining parts of the content. There isn't color and there aren't images. For instance page 464, 467 etc. Inevitably instructors might not use them all. Each Chapter is broken down into smaller sections, and on the whole the materials are covered in a very efficient way making the chapters and sections relatively short. The text contains relevant information that is current and will not become outdated in the near future. The order of chapters and sections is clear and logical. The statistical literacy exercises are particularly interesting. There are also videos for almost every section. Boxplots are introduced in Chapter II before the discussion of measures of center and dispersion. Statistics include numerical facts and figures. Topics are presented with examples, followed by exercises. There are a few areas that I might have found frustrating as a student. The authors have divided up some topics into multiple sections, which might make it easier for students to learn. The chapter on regressions comes later than it does in some texts but it doesn't really matter since that chapter never seems to fit smoothly anywhere. Each section begins with a short list of learning objectives and ends with a list of key-take away concepts. This is a reasonably thorough first-semester statistics book for most classes. This is a reasonably thorough first-semester statistics book for most classes. This adds confidence in the quality of the materials. Topics in the text are presented clearly but require a leap of faith on the part of the reader in every instance a new formula is presented.
,There is no logic errors and incorrect explanations, a few typographical errors is just to be ignored. It says you can use the normal distribution instead of the t-distribution if n > 30 (It has the standard table of the t-distribution for up to 100 degrees of freedom). I have tried this approach, and I now like this approach. The content is pretty accurate, I did not find any biases or errors. 3. The writing is very clear. Probability Distributions The probability distribution for a random variable X gives the possible values for X, and the … The section on boxplots uses a lot of technical terms that I don't find are very helpful for my students (hinge, H-spread, upper adjacent value). David Lane is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Psychology, Statistics, and Management at the Rice University. Topics are well motivated and discussion usually includes useful diagrams or graphs when appropriate. Pages 224, 614: pictures and text inside are presented as mirror images of proper orientation. The structure of the text is very consistent. The online version is highly modular offering students both ease of navigation and selection of topics. Although a few items were placed in a different position from standard Statistic books, the flow was logical.
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