Customer Reviews

Reading Between the Numbers: Statistical Thinking in Everyday Life

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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As a professional chemist, I do not look back on the statistics courses I took with particular fondness. While I didn't find them very difficult, neither did I feel that provided me with any deep insights. It was with this, lukewarm attitude that I first picked up Reading Between the Numbers. And then I noticed Chandler's quotation in one of its early chapters. Statistics and Chandler?! This must be interesting. I purchased the book and wasn't disappointed. I found the statistical concepts explained in a way that is both simple and insightful. And the book reminded me that I should have reviewed the topic, which is so important for my work, long ago. But I found the book unique in other ways as well. First, the book is relevant - there is not one concept in it that is not in some way connected to the real world. The author takes special care to show how and why statistics is important in both our professional and everyday lives. The concepts in Reading Between the Numbers are related to applications and vice versa, so that I can now see both sides in a new and more interesting light. Above all, I now feel that the ideas underlying statistics are more accessible to me than before. Second, as in many fields, the more advanced topics are based on earlier ones. And throughout, that author provides reminders of the basics so that I didn't find myself having to return to earlier chapters in order to understand later ones. It seems to me that author was simply sensitive to the needs of nonprofessional readers, which is a rarity in professional books. Finally, Reading Between the Numbers a joy to read. It is written as fiction rather than science and is often very funny. That the author has a rather quirky sense of humor is clear. That he has succeeded in combining it with statistics seems to me no small achievement.

One of the clearest explanations of basic statistics I have read. The author goes to great lengths to explain the issues pros and cons behind measures of central tendency and variation, in a way that is accessable to the layman. HE doesn't feel the need to fill each page with statistical Notation which is refreshing, and gives a lucid description of the difference between Parametric and non Parametric methods, the concept of which I think has escaped even the most seasoned statistics user. Goes all the way to Analaysis of Variance without hardly an equation. The style is more than a little quirky, (the Historical and literary preambles to some of the later chapters may frustrate some) but i'm OK with that. Good job Joseph

I'm only 60 pages through it and have taken college level statistics courses but I'm still enjoying the book. Provides interesting and relevant beginning statistics examples.

I should firstly add that i've only read half the book but i am hoping that the trend of the book continues throughout and assume it to be just. I thought this book was a marvel at taking a topic normally not too interesting to people outside the field. The author managed to take this topic and make it interesting with his weaving of history, stories and explanation of why the formulas were created and used. A great into or refresher for people thinking about measuring data or using any form of statistics.

Best explanation of statastics basics I have come across. Gives anyone with basic math, and I do mean basic, a good understanding of statistics. How it can be appropriately used, what the basic concepts are and how to understand results you see from others. As well as how powerful a tool it can be in many areas of life if you only know the concepts.

I think statistics on this level should be required education for anyone exiting high school. So many times stats are thrown about and without some knowledge you dont' know what makes sense and what doesn't. This book would give you that knowledge. And anyone without this level of knowledge in the modern world cannot really call themselves educated.