Review by Choice Review
Understanding statistical concepts and accurately interpreting what computed results represent can be a major challenge for students and other users of data-driven investigations. This book masterfully provides 34 discussions regarding material encountered in an introductory course in a manner that is both entertaining and informative. Vickers (epidemiology and biostatistics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center) stresses conceptual underpinnings rather than computational technique. Generally three to five pages in length, the presentations balance careful explanations of the concept at hand, cautionary comments regarding common misconceptions, and illustrative examples that clarify related subtleties. Remarkably, the author does this in a way that is never heavy-handed. In fact, his use of lighthearted remarks, a blended mix of everyday examples and specialized but highly accessible settings from biostatistics, and effective cartoons make this book extremely readable. Each chapter ends with a summary box of "Things to Remember" and some discussion questions, which are fully answered in the back of the book. To put it simply, this work is a highly effective summary of basic statistical ideas, making it a valuable supplement to someone wanting to really grasp the interpretation of statistical results. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and general readers. N. W. Schillow Lehigh Carbon Community College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
