Book Description
The main difference between this text and many others is that an attempt is made here to present material in a rather relaxed and informal way without omitting important concepts. The text demonstrates the wide range of relevant issues and questions that can be addressed with the help of statistical analysis techniques by presenting over 1,750 realistic problems that arise often in health care, the social and physical sciences, education, business and economics, engineering, and leisure activities. It also convinces your students that statistics is "do-able" by including real data that students have collected and analyzed for class assignments and projects. Additionally, the text utilizes an intuitive, common sense approach (including occasional humorous situation or ridiculous name) to develop concepts whenever possible. Statistics: A First Course employs widely available, inexpensive technologies--particularly Minitab and the TI-83 graphing calculator. We also explore the use of the World Wide Web to collect data, providing students with the means to obtain up-to-date information without leaving their desks.
In short this book is written to communicate with students rather than to lecture to them, and its intent is to convince readers that the study of statistics can be a lively, interesting, and rewarding experience!
Customer Reviews:
Very Good.......2006-01-09
This book made statistics easier and less esoteric.
This book is organized into 13 chapters and is a little expensive.
Contains a lot of charts, figures, graphs, diagrams and some pretty pictures too(some of them seem to be out of place).
Salient features -
1) Excellent coverage of sampling & Estimation, and more importantly Hypothesis testing(very comprehensive).
2) Several solved problems.
3) Several exercises/problems for you to solve/learn from.
4) Many typos/printing mistakes/goof-ups.
5) Very detailed in approach.
6) Funny.
Realy a HEAVY first course in statistics.
Very honest seller.......2005-10-01
This person is the best person I've ever dealt with. He responds to you quickly and positively EVERY TIME!!
Statistics: A First Course with Data CD-Rom.......2005-09-19
excellent; saved over $30.00, material shipped is in excellent condition. received material within 10 days of order. thanks.
A Student.......2003-10-19
I took a Statistics couse with one of the authors (Smidt), and this was the reference book (for 500 level). It was a MINITAB course instead a really statistical course.
Customer Reviews:
there are excellent alternatives.......2007-10-20
Take a look at www.coventry-collegiate.com. Understanding Business Statistics, the book featured there, is independently published and sells for only $39.95 (new). It is clear, extremely readable and very student-friendly.
Book Description
The main difference between this text and many others is that an attempt is made here to present material in a rather relaxed and informal way without omitting important concepts. The text demonstrates the wide range of relevant issues and questions that can be addressed with the help of statistical analysis techniques by presenting over 1,750 realistic problems that arise often in health care, the social and physical sciences, education, business and economics, engineering, and leisure activities. It also convinces your students that statistics is "do-able" by including real data that students have collected and analyzed for class assignments and projects. Additionally, the text utilizes an intuitive, common sense approach (including occasional humorous situation or ridiculous name) to develop concepts whenever possible. Statistics: A First Course employs widely available, inexpensive technologies--particularly Minitab and the TI-83 graphing calculator. We also explore the use of the World Wide Web to collect data, providing students with the means to obtain up-to-date information without leaving their desks.
In short this book is written to communicate with students rather than to lecture to them, and its intent is to convince readers that the study of statistics can be a lively, interesting, and rewarding experience!
Customer Reviews:
You don't need to be afraid of Statistics.......2000-12-15
This is a very friendly statistics book. It is easy to read and understand. The authors also throw in some humorous comments now and then that is something you wouldn't expect to find in a statistics book and this seemed to help with the reading. Many real world business examples are used in the book. The example problems and the end of section or chapter problems are from different areas of study such as business, political, social sciences, and science. This is great for understanding how to apply statistics in real life. I would have to say that all the topics and formulas are explained very well. In some cases there are more then one way to write a formula and Sanders and Smidt makes a point of giving you both formulas. You can decide which formula works for you. The book comes with a CD loaded with the data files for all the problems so you don't have to spend time keying in data. There are copies of the data files come in a variety of formats such as Minitab, Excel Windows, and Macintosh. For most of the example problems the book takes you through the steps using Minitab Statistical software and the TI-83 graphing calculator. You are not only learning statistics, but you are also learning how to use Minitab and the TI-83 graphing calculator. In this day and age if you are going to do statistics you need to be able to do it with a computer. I wish they would have also included examples using Microsoft Excel, which more people are apt to have then Minitab. Personally I use both Minitab and Excel. I actually enjoyed reading this book and looked forward to studying. Even though my statistics class is over this book will not be collecting dust for a while as I plan on going back through it to reread or finish reading what I missed or skimmed over. There are still a lot of the problems that I want to do to reinforce what I have already learned. This is a great statistics book to keep as a reference. More then once I have found coworkers looking up stuff in my book.
Book Description
This introduction presents the mathematical theory of probability for readers in the fields of engineering and the sciences who possess knowledge of elementary calculus.
Presents new examples and exercises throughout. Offers a new section that presents an elegant way of computing the moments of random variables defined as the number of events that occur. Gives applications to binomial, hypergeometric, and negative hypergeometric random variables, as well as random variables resulting from coupon collecting and match models. Provides additional results on inclusion-exclusion identity, Poisson paradigm, multinomial distribution, and bivariate normal distribution
A useful reference for engineering and science professionals.
Customer Reviews:
One of my favorites for essential probability topics.......2007-09-07
This book is really great for the essentials of probability. I see that some people found it hard to understand and my feeling is that these are people who are not familiar with the math that is prerequisite to probability. If you're familiar with basic calculus and sets, this book is a good reference or intro to the topic of probability.
good introductory book for students with STRONG mathematical backgrounds only.......2007-06-23
I used this book 18 years ago in an "introductory" probability course for advanced undergraduate/beginning graduate applied mathematics students. The course didn't assume any previous knowledge of probability, but it did require a background in multivariate calculus, and for this type of course this text is appropriate. Despite the plethora of examples that it provides, this would be a terrible introductory text for freshmen or sophmores, especially those who (intend to) major in the social sciences, as it really is focused on developing the theory behind the subject.
As I recall, the first 2 chapters treated combinatorics, in a frustratingly intuitive fashion, in the sense that it seemed the only way to do the problems was to try to copy examples given in the text. There were also some confusing paradox-type problems, where it seems as if more than one answer is possible depending on one's perspective, and for these the text did not provide much guidance.
Once beyond these early chapters, the book became much more analytic, essentially becoming an exercise in multiple integration, which I, as a strong mathematics student, found to be much easier, but many other readers (such as other reviewers here) would probably feel the opposite. Still, I recall spending a disporportionate amount of time that semester on this course, essentially because of the difficulty of the text, and in particular, I recall many tedious problems that revolved around summing infinite series, which can be daunting until one develops the necessary bag of tricks. Still, I think the book did do a good job of explaining the theory of probability, even if this was not much use in solving exercises.
While I have rated this as 4 stars, I can understand how those who don't share my enthusiasm for challenging texts would rate it lower.
read this before going for it.......2007-04-23
Well first off I would like to tell anyone who doesn't have a solid working knowledge of calculus (including multivariate) to avoid this book as it requires multiple integrals and infinite series and sequences. Now onto the good and the bad:
THE GOOD:
This text explains concepts very well and is FULL of examples. I mean literally 3/4 of the book, maybe more, is examples. Every chapter also has a section of problems that have partial solutions, which can come in very handy. This is pretty much all that is good about this text, but keep in mind that explaination is the most important part of any textbook.
THE BAD:
The proofs skip plenty of steps. And I mean plenty, so much that a proof in the book would take 5 lines but when my professor proved it in class it would take him nearly 15. Also while there are tonnes of examples, too many are theoretical and very hard. I took this course first term of my second year, and it's too much to ask from second year students to solve these kinds of questions. Also there are lots of homework questions, however no solution manual, only the very few solved in the back of the book (which is better than nothing I suppose). The book also costs a hefty amount of change and is suprisingly small, not even an inch thick. However the worst thing about this book is how the author leaves important things in with the text often. Often key terms and formulae lie within the text, and are made to not look important at all (so go to class to see what's stressed!). However most these things are small, and overall the text is a good intro to probability theory.
I personally didn't like it!!.......2007-02-13
This book first of all doesn't seem too introductory to me. As other reviewers have said, this is suitable for a first-time graduate student, and elementary calculus is just not enough. While there are a good bit of examples some of them I find, make no sense and have little to back up how he got the answers. They of course make no sense to me because there was no good explanation, just utterly confusing notations, and large numbers. While this book does cover much important topics in probability theory, what is the point of it all if nobody understands it. This book in short assumes too much, and should take the time to do more explanation rather than calculation.
It's the best guarantee that you will hate Statistics that money can buy........2007-02-09
I would say that this book is poorly written, except that saying that it was written at all gives it too much credit. Almost no writing was done for this book; it's more accurate to say that the book was "compiled" out of a stack of example problems.
The author seems to have taken the idea that, "Students don't ever really read textbooks" to heart and crafted a book that simply cannot be read. The best you can do is browse through it, looking for examples that match what you're trying to do and studying them. His sample solutions are detailed, but they make little attempt to teach the intuition behind why certain steps are chosen. Nor can that intuition be learned from the main text of the chapter, as there is wretchedly little of it.
A horrible book; bad even by the low standards that math textbooks are generally held to.
Book Description
This market-leading introduction to probability features exceptionally clear explanations of the mathematics of probability theory and explores its many diverse applications through numerous interesting and motivational examples. The outstanding problem sets are a hallmark feature of this book. Provides clear, complete explanations to fully explain mathematical concepts.
Features subsections on the probabilistic method and the maximum-minimums identity. Includes many new examples relating to DNA matching, utility, finance, and applications of the probabilistic method. Features an intuitive treatment of probability—intuitive explanations follow many examples. The
Probability Models Disk included with each copy of the book, contains six probability models that are referenced in the book and allow readers to quickly and easily perform calculations and simulations.
Customer Reviews:
A cram session for final.......2007-02-20
First all, everyone wishing to learn probability comes from different background, math level, and motivation. There is no book that suits all. Recently I needed to know something about moment generating functions. With all my advanced engineering background though, I find it difficult to get into probability.
So I bought the following supposedly introductory texts: Ross, DeGroot, Stirzaker, Bersekas & Tsitsiklis. To me, Ross seems like a review lesson to cram for finals; it's choke full of examples but fairly spare in exposition. DeGroot is the opposite, long on descriptions but short on examples; by the time it finishes describing the problem, you have forgotten how to solve it. Probability is set up more as a prelude to statistics in the second half of the book. Stirzaker calls his book "elementary" the way Sherlock Holmes dismissed a case after slogging all night through the English bogs. It is more for the well-drilled boys from elite British "public" (private actually) schools. Bersekas comes closest to what I look for in a text, straightforward in prose with a judicious selection of examples to explain theory.
For beginners, the best approach I found, in the end, was to go the local community college and buy the text used for Finite Math. Usually, there are 3 to 4 chapters that introduce probability.
Such a text is aimed an audience from wider academic and language backgrounds, as community colleges are mandated to do. Therefore, probability is taught in simple, plain-spoken language crafted through multiple editions. One such is Finite Math, by Karl J. Smith; however, many others like it will do. For self-study, one might start in the chapter on probability to understand the author's approach, then go back a chapter or two to pick up the permutation and combinatorial math needed to calculate probability. Another alternative is just to enroll in a Finite Math course at a community college. Generally, such a course stops at Markov's chain which is enough to get you jump started in probability.
In any case, a good Finite Math text gives plenty of examples with clear, succinct, and layman-like explanation to help you tackle Ross' book or supplement any other at a higher level. If you plan to apply probability to your work, then shop around for another text after you get the basics. The thicker tomes delve more into theory which is good because real life problems are seldom like the examples given. However you can't go wrong by planting your feet solidly on a good Finite Math text first
Chapters 1 - 5 get 5 stars, other chapters get 1 star.......2006-11-30
I found that Chapters 1 through 5 (Cominatorial analysis, axioms, Conditional Prob, Discreet RVs, Contious RVs) were very good. Everything else got a little confusing. After reading these later chapters, I found I could complete a little over half of the excercise in these back of these chapters, but some problems I couldn't solve no matter how much time I spent on them. It seemed some excercises were completely different than the examples in the chapters. I'm sure a solutions manual would have cleared everything up though.
Amazing book!.......2005-11-30
I absolutely love this book. The numerous examples in it are so mathematically rich and so broadly applicable and diverse in content, that it makes my heart pound every time I read it. Granted, if you're not a math type they will be very difficult to understand, but if you're into math this this the book you've been looking for since 7th grade. The examples in every section give you a much more thorough understanding of the topic than in any other book, so you have to do little exploring yourself. Also, the examples are so general and so good that...wow!
A good book but a bit difficult to follow at times.......2005-09-05
This book has all the necessary material for an undergraduate probability text book. The only problem is that the material at times is not well presented. If you have encountered probability before you will find this book helpful, otherwise it might be a bit difficult to follow for those encountering probability for the first time.
Probably a Good Book for the Brilliant.......2005-08-01
While in college almost 25 years ago, I vowed never again to read a book that talks about pulling balls from urns: i.e., no more probability books. But, since this book is used in a required course for a degree program I was reading through (Florida State University's (FSU's) STA 4442: "Introductory Probability I" course, required for their Computer Science degree), I decided to try the subject again. I should have listened to myself and stayed away. I managed to get through the first four chapters before having to put the book away. There are just too many assumptions of knowledge and leaps of logic over vast quantities of missing steps for me to work my way through the book on my own. This is especially bad, since the Preface states:
"This book is intended as an elementary introduction to the theory of probability for students in mathematics, statistics, engineering, and the sciences (including computer science, the social sciences and management science) who posses the prerequisite knowledge of elementary calculus."
The first use of that word, "elementary," above, definitely doesn't belong there. Also, I shudder to think of the reaction of people in the social and management sciences who end up in a course using this book. On a more constructive note, I'd add to the prerequisites a *heavy* grounding in discrete math.
To add a bit more information to the raw data of these reviews, I've mapped the universe of all possible readers of this book onto a set of x-y axes. Let the x-axis run from "non-Math-types" up through "Math-types." Let they y-axis go from "non-geniuses" up through "geniuses:"
- Quadrant I: genius Math-types. This group, along with the Quadrant IIs, has a chance at getting something useful out of the book. It's fairly evenly divided between theory and application, but I'd say the emphasis appears to lean slightly towards using probability theory over proving it (only slightly, mind you). Everything, however, starts out with the theory and with proofs. The problem is that the proofs are missing the majority of their steps and require quite a bit of mathematical knowledge and bashing one's head onto the table to get through. Quadrant Is will probably have the least trouble with this.
- Quadrant II: genius non-Math-types. Like the Quadrant Is, above, these people have a chance at getting something useful out of the book. Though there is quite a bit of theory present, it's also coupled with quite a lot of applications via the examples (several for each theoretical blurb). Since there are so many steps missing from both the proofs and the examples, those on the "genius" side of the coordinate system are the ones most likely to have a chance at forcing themselves through the material to actual understanding.
- Quadrant III: non-genius non-Math-types (i.e., "normal" people). This group is going to have a lot of trouble with this book. With a good professor or knowledgeable person nearby, they might be able to work through the assumptions and gaps in the material (with a lot of effort). But, in general, this book is really not for them. The large number of examples will help, but won't be sufficient.
- Quadrant IV: non-genius Math-types. This group falls into the same boat as the Quadrant IIIs: the book's not for them. Though their math predilection might give them a moderate advantage in working out what the author is trying to do, they're still going to have trouble working through the proofs with all their missing steps.
This book is really only suitable for either genius Math-, or genius non-Math-types. I'd recommend that anyone who doesn't read through mathematics like fish swim through the sea avoid it. With a professor handy to fill in the gaps the author leaves, the book might be acceptable to us mortals. But, for those on their own, there's no way they'll get through. Because of the mismatch between the audience the Preface lays out and the way the text is written, I rate this book at 3 stars out of 5.
Book Description
This unique book combines lucid and engaging exposition, graphic and poignantly applied examples, and realistic exercises to take readers beyond the mechanics of statistical techniques. The result is a journey into the realm of practical data analysis and inference-based problem solving.
Customer Reviews:
Book Contents.......2006-03-08
The "search inside this book" feature was not available when this review was posted. Hope it helps.
Contents:
1 What is Statistics?
2 Tools for Exploring Univariate Data
3 Exploratory Tools for Relationships
4 Probabilities and Proportions
5 Discrete Random Variables
6 Continuous Random Variables
7 Sampling Distributions of Estimates
8 Confidence Intervals
9 Significance Testing: Using Data to Test Hypotheses
10 Data on a Continuous Variable
11 Tables of Counts
12 Relationships between Quantitative Variables: Regression and Correlation
13 Control Charts
14 Time Series
Appendix: Statistical Tables
References
Answers to Selected Problems
Index
Customer Reviews:
Excellent materials and service..........2007-09-16
I received my order quickly and the book was in excellent shape, just as advertised. I love the savings that I always find on Amazom! Great resource for students and faculty...
Slow.......2006-11-13
The book came in fine condition but way way too late. I expected it to be a little late because of the shipping I chose but this was ridiculous and I really needed it for my class.
Book Description
This book offers a straightforward, “nuts and bolts” , introduction to statistics. The explanations are clear and simple and minimize calculations where possible. A diverse range of applications and examples are presented to make the materials appealing to a wide range of learners.
The Eighth Edition features new problems, more real data based examples and exercises, and fuller integration of technology.
For individuals beginning a study of statistics.
Customer Reviews:
Probabilities.......2000-08-23
I have a little problem understanding the probabilities. I need somebody to help me
Book Description
This introduction to statistics helps readers develop and enhance their critical thinking skills. It shows readers how to analyze data that appear in situations in the world around them and features an abundance of examples and exercises—nearly all based on current, real-world applications pulled from journals, magazines, news articles, and commerce. In addition, this book exposes readers to the most recent statistical software packages that will prove helpful on the job. Presenting balanced coverage of both the theory and application of statistics, the book discusses methods for describing data sets; probability; random variables and probability distributions; inferences based on a single sample utilizing tests of hypothesis and confidence intervals; comparing population proportions and means; simple linear regression, and much more. For business, engineering, and science professionals.
Customer Reviews:
Table , table, where's the table.......2004-09-01
An annoying tendency of certain books is to provide so many tables, figures and examples that you get lost trying to find ex A figure 2.x or Table Z. This book excels in this regard. It would have been clearer if a single, global, numbering system had been used to refer to ANY AND EVERY example in the book rather than non-collated links all over creation. A simple pg. number IN ADDITION TO!!! the figure/table/example/chart/drawing - whatever-number ... would have sufficed.
Terrible awful stuff having to hunt down what you want mid-sentance.
This is a "must have" book for a new student in statistics........1999-08-29
This book removes all those fearsome notions about statistics. The topics presented are sequential, well organized and easy to understand.Case studies are helpful in associating learned concepts to real world applications. Examples from various statistical packages give students a flavor of how computer generates statistical reports.Examples with solutions guide students toward step by step understanding of concepts involved. Overall, this is an excellent book for all those students who really want to get serious about statistics.
Customer Reviews:
fine, if you need it.......2005-11-28
it's a perfectly well written and usable book- if you need it. It's simply a recapitulation of what's writtten in the book. No extra answers to exercises, little additional extrapolation of answers to exercises which are already present in the text. In short, if you want the material explained to you one more time, in a slightly more summarized manner, get the book. If you're looking for a shortcut or something not found in the text, don't.
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General
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Study Guide and Student Solutions Manual for use with Statistics: A First Course
Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry (with CD-ROM and ThomsonNOW Printed Access Card)
Cultural Conversations: The Presence of the Past
Statistics: A First Course
Advantage Series: Microsoft Office 2003 (Advantage)
