Statistics II for Dummies [Paperback]

Deborah Rumsey (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0470466464 | ISBN-13: 978-0470466469 | Publication Date: August 31, 2009 | Edition: 1

The ideal supplement and study guide for students preparing for advanced statistics

Packed with fresh and practical examples appropriate for a range of degree-seeking students, Statistics II For Dummies helps any reader succeed in an upper-level statistics course. It picks up with data analysis where Statistics For Dummies left off, featuring new and updated examples, real-world applications, and test-taking strategies for success. This easy-to-understand guide covers such key topics as sorting and testing models, using regression to make predictions, performing variance analysis (ANOVA), drawing test conclusions with chi-squares, and making comparisons with the Rank Sum Test.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The fun and easy way to enhance your grasp of statistics

Need to expand your statistics knowledge and move on to Statistics II? This friendly, hands-on guide gives you the skills you need to take on multiple regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Chi-square tests, nonparametric procedures, and other key topics. Statistics II For Dummies also provides plenty of test-taking strategies as well as real-world applications that make data analysis a snap, whether you're in the classroom or at work.

• Begin with the basics — review the highlights of Stats I and expand on simple linear regression, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests

• Start making predictions — master multiple, nonlinear, and logistic regression; check conditions; and interpret results

• Analyze variance with ANOVA — break down the ANOVA table, one-way and two-way ANOVA, the F-test, and multiple comparisons

• Connect with Chi-square tests — examine two-way tables and test categorical data for independence and goodness-of-fit

• Leap ahead with nonparametrics — grasp techniques used when you can't assume your data has a normal distribution

Open the book and find:

• Up-to-date methods for analyzing data

• Full explanations of Statistics II concepts

• Clear and concise step-by-step procedures

• Dissection of computer output

• Lots of tips, strategies, and warnings

• Ten common errors in statistical conclusions

• Everyday statistics applications

• Tables for completing calculations used in the book

Learn to:

• Increase your skills in data analysis
• Sort through and test models
• Make predictions

• Apply statistics to real-world situations

About the Author

Deborah Rumsey, PhD, is a Statistics Education Specialist and Auxiliary Faculty Member in the Department of Statistics at Ohio State University. She is also a Fellow of the American Statistical Association and has received the Presidential Teaching Award from Kansas State University. Dr. Rumsey has published numerous papers and given many professional presentations on the subject of statistics education.

Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (August 31, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470466464
• ISBN-13: 978-0470466469
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,182 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Deborah Rumsey, PhD, is a Statistics Education Specialist and Auxiliary Faculty Member in the Department of Statistics at Ohio State University. She is also a Fellow of the American Statistical Association and has received the Presidential Teaching Award from Kansas State University. Dr. Rumsey has published numerous papers and given many professional presentations on the subject of statistics education.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Useful for Class and Reference, December 19, 2010

By 

Carl Franklin "Author and Professor" (Cedar City, UT USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Statistics II for Dummies (Paperback)

I teach statistics at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Statistics 2 for Dummies is a well-written and easy-to-understand text which can be easily used in both the classroom and as a secondary reference source. Deborah Rumsey presents plenty of examples along with sufficient clear explanation to help the reader move from one level to the next. Someone well motivated can use this text to learn the basics for more advanced statistics; however, this text would be even more useful with a knowledgeable and patient instructor.

I would suggest making one significant change for future editions. The author relies on the Minitab software package when discussing the use of computer aided statistical analysis. There are better, and often cheaper, software packages available for the user. Students will most likely have PASW, formally SPSS, available at most institutions of higher education. In addition, Amazon and many other retail outlets selling to students and faculty will have relatively inexpensive versions of this more powerful software available. While Minitab remains a viable option, and is certainly usable where available, I would recommend that in the next edition the author include instruction for the more popular PASW software package. Similarly, the program Mathematica should be at least mentioned in the text discussing computer aided statistical analysis, especially since this is a top choice for many in mathematics, economics, and many sciences.

Rumsey's book does a very good job in tackling the types of regression in the use in making predictions. In addition the section covering nonparametric methods is very useful. As expected, these are advanced methods for statistical analysis, and the author assumes a moderately strong understanding of basic statistics. Fortunately, the author also refer to her first book, statistics one, to help guide the reader for remedial study.

As a professor the book's greatest advantage is its relatively low price, something very important to today student. It is relatively easy to read, which makes the learning experience better. One item worth noting is the absence of exercises or material to test the reader's understanding. It would be easier to select this book for use in the classroom if such material were included or readily available from the publisher. Since this text appears to be primarily for the consumer market adding such material to the book would likely raise the price and defeat the purpose of the Dummies line of books. Based on this I typically use this book as a recommended reading and reference for my students.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book, October 22, 2009

By 

Eric Johnson (Columbus, OH USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Statistics II for Dummies (Paperback)

Statistics 2 for Dummies is THE source for me to get the ideas and methods to make informed decisions for my business. The best part of this book is that Professor Rumsey actually uses plain, understandable English! I think that this book would be an asset for your business, or for your college-level coursework.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good read, best for reference book, May 8, 2011

By 

M. Istvan "Nash" (Europe) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Statistics II for Dummies (Paperback)

I wouldn't recommend this book for first time stats learners, but it's the best reference book on my desk - this is my offline stats Wiki.