Statistics Plain and Simple - Softcover

Jackson, Sherri L.

3.71

17 ratings by Goodreads

9780534643713: Statistics Plain and Simple

Softcover

ISBN 10: 053464371X ISBN 13: 9780534643713

Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing, 2004

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Sherri Jackson's straightforward, conversational introduction to statistics presents just what its title promises -- a plain-and-simple overview of statistics that is clear, concise, and sparing in its use of jargon. Ideal for behavioral sciences majors who need to grasp basic concepts quickly, Jackson's text is designed to quickly build students' confidence in understanding, calculating, and interpreting statistics. It instills a strong awareness of the interaction between statistical methods and research methods. It also provides a solid working knowledge of basic statistical cautions in research design, a strong understanding of the concept of significance, and the critical thinking skills necessary to apply these ideas. This paperback book's modular format (17 modules across 6 sections) chunks the material into small segments that make even difficult concepts manageable. Jackson shows why each new statistical technique is necessary before explaining it, and skillfully uses narrative to connect one module to the next. The end of each module features a summary review table, "Critical Thinking Check" items (with answers) review of key terms, and "Module Exercises" to help students master key concepts. At the end of each of the 6 sections, a detailed self-test lets students check their understanding of the concepts. These pedagogical features are a perfect complement to Jackson's narrative, as they serve to further build students' confidence with statistical ideas.

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About the Author:

Sherri L. Jackson is professor of psychology at Jacksonville University (JU), where she has taught since 1988 and currently serves as Chair of the Division of Social Sciences. At JU, she has won Excellence in Scholarship (2003), University Service (2004), and Teaching (2009) awards; the university-wide Professor of the Year Award in 2004; the Woman of the Year Award in 2005; and the Institutional Excellence Award in 2007. She received her M.S. and Ph.D. in cognitive/experimental psychology from the University of Florida. Her research interests include human reasoning and the teaching of psychology, and she has published numerous articles in both areas. She is also the author of RESEARCH METHODS & STATISTICS: A CRITICAL THINKING APPROACH, 5th Edition (Wadsworth/Cengage, 2016), RESEARCH METHODS: A MODULAR APPROACH, 3rd Edition (Wadsworth/Cengage, 2015) and A CONCISE GUIDE TO STATISTICAL ANALYSES USING EXCEL, SPSS, AND THE TI-84 CALCULATOR (Cengage, 2013).

Review:

"I think the text succeeds in presenting basic statistics simply. . . I liked the transition from one statistical concept to the next. The author gives some nice advice, for example, on how to keep track on z-scores on the positive and the negative side of the mean for determining percentiles. The author shows experience in teaching the concepts and is usually aware where students will have a problem."

"The text is really quite well written. It shows awareness of the interaction between statistical methods and research methods. Lets the students know of material and is usually consistent on the depth. It was good to use the same data with increasingly more complex procedures. " "There is a good balance between getting the concept across and not dwelling on too many intricacies."

"I chuckled at some of the exercises and would like to have my own students work through some of them. I think they can clearly help students grasp the concepts." "I would ABSOLUTELY use this text as a supplement in my course on research design. As I have thoroughly reviewed the entire text now, I am very delighted by it's easy read and organization. I will be able to use this text in a very effective way with my students."

"Statistics Plain and Simple earns my hearty endorsement for its strong organization, sound pedagogy, clear presentation of key concepts and formulae, and overall readability."

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