Statistics: A Bayesian Perspective [Paperback]

Donald A. Berry (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 16, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0534234720 | ISBN-13: 978-0534234720 | Edition: 1

Appropriate for a one-term introductory statistics course, this text introduces statistical concepts and methods from a predominantly Bayesian perspective. It covers standard topics taking the Bayesian view that subjectivity is inevitable in science and that different conclusions from the same study are normal and stresses the advantages of this approach in scientific inference. It presents statistics as a means of integrating data into the scientific process and stresses data analysis and experimental design ideas early.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ph.D., Yale University

Product Details

• Paperback: 518 pages
• Publisher: Duxbury Press; 1 edition (November 16, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0534234720
• ISBN-13: 978-0534234720
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #236,516 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars nice elementary text on Bayesian methods, January 24, 2008

By 

Michael R. Chernick "statman31147" (Holland PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Statistics: A Bayesian Perspective (Paperback)

This is an excellent introductory text designed for a first course in statistics. It covers all the topics that are typically in a first course. However, all other texts at this level take the frequentist approach to inference. A few may have sections that introduce Bayesian ideas but the Bayesian approach is a paradigm for statistical inference and as such the approach should be incorporated in all statistical topics. Berry shows that this can be done without the student having to know calculus. To understand Bayesian methods the student mainly has to know that posterior probability = likelihood x prior probability. Berry provides a good list of references for those who want to pursue more advanced topics.

This book is unique. It demonstrate that statistics can be taught from the Bayesian approach in the very beginnning. This is much like what Noether did when he wrote an introductory text in statistics taking a strict nonparametric approach.

The text is loaded with exercises and the exposition is very clear. There are many useful and entertaining diagrams. Many examples are taken from real medical problems. Medicine is an area in which Berry has done a great deal of consulting and his experience shows in his examples. This should be the text to turn to if you want an introduction to the subject. If you know the basics and want more advanced treatment go to the references mentioned in Berry's preface.

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction, February 24, 2000

By 

Dr. James Brophy (Montreal) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Statistics: A Bayesian Perspective (Paperback)

This book completely fulfills its goals, one of which is not to be a definitive reference book. It provides a friendly, entertaining introduction into statistics from a Bayesian perspective.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction., May 3, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Statistics: A Bayesian Perspective (Paperback)

This is a truly clear and thoughtful introduction to Bayesian statistics.Nothing is taken for granted as the author leads you through examples and concepts. This was my first introduction to Bayesian statistics, and Berry makes it seem so much more reasonable and closer to real research/real life than the artifice involved in other approaches.