Head First Statistics: A Brain-Friendly Guide - Softcover

Griffiths, Dawn

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0596527586 ISBN 13: 9780596527587

Publisher: O'Reilly Media, 2008

Synopsis

Wouldn't it be great if there were a statistics book that made histograms, probability distributions, and chi square analysis more enjoyable than going to the dentist? Head First Statistics brings this typically dry subject to life, teaching you everything you want and need to know about statistics through engaging, interactive, and thought-provoking material, full of puzzles, stories, quizzes, visual aids, and real-world examples.

Whether you're a student, a professional, or just curious about statistical analysis, Head First's brain-friendly formula helps you get a firm grasp of statistics so you can understand key points and actually use them. Learn to present data visually with charts and plots; discover the difference between taking the average with mean, median, and mode, and why it's important; learn how to calculate probability and expectation; and much more.

Head First Statistics is ideal for high school and college students taking statistics and satisfies the requirements for passing the College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics Exam. With this book, you'll:

• Study the full range of topics covered in first-year statistics
• Tackle tough statistical concepts using Head First's dynamic, visually rich format proven to stimulate learning and help you retain knowledge
• Explore real-world scenarios, ranging from casino gambling to prescription drug testing, to bring statistical principles to life
• Discover how to measure spread, calculate odds through probability, and understand the normal, binomial, geometric, and Poisson distributions
• Conduct sampling, use correlation and regression, do hypothesis testing, perform chi square analysis, and more

Before you know it, you'll not only have mastered statistics, you'll also see how they work in the real world. Head First Statistics will help you pass your statistics course, and give you a firm understanding of the subject so you can apply the knowledge throughout your life.

About this title

About the Author

Dawn Griffiths started life as a mathematician at a top UK university. She was awarded a First-Class Honours degree in Mathematics, and was offered a university scholarship to undertake a PhD studying particularly rare breeds of differential equations. She moved away from academia when she realized that people would stop talking to her at parties, and went on to pursue a career in software development instead. She currently combines IT consultancy with writing and mathematics.

When Dawn's not working on Head First books, you'll find her honing her Tai Chi skills, making bobbin lace or cooking nice meals. She hasn't yet mastered the art of doing all three at the same time.

She also enjoys traveling, and spending time with her lovely husband, David.

Edition details

• Publisher: O'Reilly Media
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0596527586
• ISBN 13: 9780596527587
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 716