Head First Statistics [Paperback]

Dawn Griffiths (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0596527586 | ISBN-13: 978-0596527587 | Publication Date: September 2, 2008 | Edition: 1

Wouldn't it be great if there were a statistics book that made histograms, probability distributions, and chi square analysis more enjoyable than going to the dentist? Head First Statistics brings this typically dry subject to life, teaching you everything you want and need to know about statistics through engaging, interactive, and thought-provoking material, full of puzzles, stories, quizzes, visual aids, and real-world examples.

Whether you're a student, a professional, or just curious about statistical analysis, Head First's brain-friendly formula helps you get a firm grasp of statistics so you can understand key points and actually use them. Learn to present data visually with charts and plots; discover the difference between taking the average with mean, median, and mode, and why it's important; learn how to calculate probability and expectation; and much more.

Head First Statistics is ideal for high school and college students taking statistics and satisfies the requirements for passing the College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics Exam. With this book, you'll:

• Study the full range of topics covered in first-year statistics
• Tackle tough statistical concepts using Head First's dynamic, visually rich format proven to stimulate learning and help you retain knowledge
• Explore real-world scenarios, ranging from casino gambling to prescription drug testing, to bring statistical principles to life
• Discover how to measure spread, calculate odds through probability, and understand the normal, binomial, geometric, and Poisson distributions
• Conduct sampling, use correlation and regression, do hypothesis testing, perform chi square analysis, and more

Before you know it, you'll not only have mastered statistics, you'll also see how they work in the real world. Head First Statistics will help you pass your statistics course, and give you a firm understanding of the subject so you can apply the knowledge throughout your life.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dawn Griffiths started life as a mathematician at a top UK university. She was awarded a First-Class Honours degree in Mathematics, and was offered a university scholarship to undertake a PhD studying particularly rare breeds of differential equations. She moved away from academia when she realized that people would stop talking to her at parties, and went on to pursue a career in software development instead. She currently combines IT consultancy with writing and mathematics.

When Dawn's not working on Head First books, you'll find her honing her Tai Chi skills, making bobbin lace or cooking nice meals. She hasn't yet mastered the art of doing all three at the same time.

She also enjoys traveling, and spending time with her lovely husband, David.

Product Details

• Paperback: 720 pages
• Publisher: O'Reilly Media; 1 edition (September 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0596527586
• ISBN-13: 978-0596527587
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 8 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #56,774 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Written with Learning in Mind, October 8, 2008

By 

G. Richard "Grad Student" (NYC, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Head First Statistics (Paperback)

This is my first Head First book, and I was quite impressed. I am a graduate student who has had little to no previous experience in statistics. For the most part, I can complete SPSS analysis with ease and I understand most of the concepts presented in class. However, it dawned on me that there were gaps in my understanding that weren't being adequately explained by my professor or my textbooks. I wanted a real, in-depth understanding of when and why I would use specific methods, not just how to do the methods. This book is a wonderful synthesis that uses current research on how we learn effectively. I love the way that it blends concepts with problem-solving to enforce the connections for long-term retention and comprehension.

(I do have one criticism: it appears that there are some spelling errors and exercise mistakes. They are not overwhelming, and, fortunately, you learn enough to recognize the mistakes, but they should be noted. However, they are so mild, it is not worth spoiling a good review.)

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The "Head First Statistics Advantage", October 6, 2008

By 

Ira Laefsky "Ira Laefsky" (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Head First Statistics (Paperback)

Head First Statistics by Dawn Griffiths has a simple, but infinitely valuable advantage over test preparation guides and other statistics texts for the mathematically challenged. First, like all books in the Head First series it is actually interesting and fun to study, as well as clear and simple. Even more importantly for the psychology or physical science/engineering student, and possibly unique among introductory statistics texts, it explains what each statistic means, what it is good for, where it applies (and doesn't apply), and how to use it in verifying the results of an experiment. Unlike other easy to learn statistics primers, it provides a real introduction to experimental design, as well as being a drill and practice cookbook for test preparation. This book will be an important tool for all students of the experimental sciences.
--Ira Laefsky

40 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Great idea, but has some major problems, January 1, 2009

By 

Samer T Ismail "SF & classical music fan" (Danbury, CT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Head First Statistics (Paperback)

I was actually looking at statistics books for a relative who wanted to learn about statistics for his job.

While I have to commend the creators of this guide for an innovative approach, there are some major problems with the mathematics in the book. The worst example I can think of is that of Bayesian analysis (a very important concept, but a rather difficult one to understand). The example is confusingly presented, and, worse still, the method they give for solving the problem is simply wrong, and is actually solving a much simpler problem that does not even require this technique. Quite simply, I cannot understand how any person well-versed in statistics--let alone multiple people--could make errors of this magnitude; in the end, I couldn't justify spending the money for it.