A Probability and Statistics Companion [Paperback]

John J. Kinney (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0470471956 | ISBN-13: 978-0470471951 | Publication Date: June 9, 2009 | Edition: 1

An accessible and engaging introduction to the study of probability and statistics

Utilizing entertaining real-world examples, A Probability and Statistics Companion provides aunique, interesting, and accessible introduction to probability and statistics. This one-of-a-kind book delves into practical topics that are crucial in the analysis of sample surveys and experimentation.

This handy book contains introductory explanations of the major topics in probability and statistics, including hypothesis testing and regression, while also delving into more advanced topics such as the analysis of sample surveys, analysis of experimental data, and statistical process control. The book recognizes that there are many sampling techniques that can actually improve on simple random sampling, and in addition, an introduction to the design of experiments is provided to reflect recent advances in conducting scientific experiments. This blend of coverage results in the development of a deeper understanding and solid foundation for the study of probability and statistics. Additional topical coverage includes:

• Probability and sample spaces

• Choosing the best candidate

• Acceptance sampling

• Conditional probability

• Random variables and discrete probability distributions

• Waiting time problems

• Continuous probability distributions

• Statistical inference

• Nonparametric methods

• Least squares and medians

• Recursions and probability

Each chapter contains exercises and explorations for readers who wish to conduct independent projects or investigations. The discussion of most methods is complemented with applications to engaging, real-world scenarios such as winning speeds at the Indianapolis 500 and predicting winners of the World Series. In addition, the book enhances the visual nature of the subject with numerous multidimensional graphical representations of the presented examples.

A Probability and Statistics Companion is an excellent book for introductory probability and statistics courses at the undergraduate level. It is also a valuable reference for professionals who use statistical concepts to make informed decisions in their day-to-day work.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Each chapter includes exercises and explorations for interested readers. This book provides teachers and instructors with interesting real-world examples that can be used as supporting material for introductory courses on probability and statistics. Including chapters on more advanced and practical topics, like stratified sampling, analysis of experimental data and statistical process control, it may also be of interest to professionals and engineers who use statistical concepts in their work. Undergraduate students, who want to delve into practical applications, can use this book supplementary to a theoretical introduction." (Zentralblatt MATH, 2010)

"Topics include sampling and sample spaces, basic probability, discrete and continuous data, statistical inferences, regression analysis, and experimental design--thus providing broad-based considerations for introductory course instructors to draw from." (CHOICE, 2009)

From the Back Cover

An accessible and engaging introduction to the study of probability and statistics

Utilizing entertaining real-world examples, A Probability and Statistics Companion provides aunique, interesting, and accessible introduction to probability and statistics. This one-of-a-kind book delves into practical topics that are crucial in the analysis of sample surveys and experimentation.

This handy book contains introductory explanations of the major topics in probability and statistics, including hypothesis testing and regression, while also delving into more advanced topics such as the analysis of sample surveys, analysis of experimental data, and statistical process control. The book recognizes that there are many sampling techniques that can actually improve on simple random sampling, and in addition, an introduction to the design of experiments is provided to reflect recent advances in conducting scientific experiments. This blend of coverage results in the development of a deeper understanding and solid foundation for the study of probability and statistics. Additional topical coverage includes:

• Probability and sample spaces
• Choosing the best candidate
• Acceptance sampling
• Conditional probability
• Random variables and discrete probability distributions
• Waiting time problems
• Continuous probability distributions
• Statistical inference
• Nonparametric methods
• Least squares and medians
• Recursions and probability

Each chapter contains exercises and explorations for readers who wish to conduct independent projects or investigations. The discussion of most methods is complemented with applications to engaging, real-world scenarios such as winning speeds at the Indianapolis 500 and predicting winners of the World Series. In addition, the book enhances the visual nature of the subject with numerous multidimensional graphical representations of the presented examples.

A Probability and Statistics Companion is an excellent book for introductory probability and statistics courses at the undergraduate level. It is also a valuable reference for professionals who use statistical concepts to make informed decisions in their day-to-day work.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 260 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (June 9, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470471956
• ISBN-13: 978-0470471951
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #592,148 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great study guide or refresher, December 12, 2011

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Marc Mest - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Probability and Statistics Companion (Paperback)

I used this book for an undergraduate course and it was extremely helpful. The textbook used in the course was poorly written. Yes the course was easy, I never felt confident about the material because it was very superficial and never focused on how to apply the concepts.

This book filled a large gap in most lower level statistics courses, the author provides enough depth and examples to drive the point home. Most study guides are only helpful if the textbook provides the framework, and that is where this book shines. The author covers all topics with enough detail and examples for the student to have more than a simple understanding.

The probability section of this book is worth the price alone. The author covers the material in the traditional form of odds, selecting a group from a population, and waiting in line. However the author is concise and methodical from the introduction through the more complex topics. He not only instructs on how, but more important why.

The statistics sections cover all of the various distributions and theories, but ties them all together at the philosphical level of designing experiments and stratification. There are few topics which are not covered enough, like Bayesean, though this is not a textbook.

Warning, this is not a book for a novice to learn the subject, but it is designed for the student to excel in a course.

It is also a great reference.