Essentials of Probability Theory for Statisticians

Essentials of Probability Theory for Statisticians provides graduate students with a rigorous treatment of probability theory, with an emphasis on results central to theoretical statistics. It presents classical probability theory motivated with illustrative examples in biostatistics, such as outlier tests, monitoring clinical trials, and using adaptive methods to make design changes based on accumulating data. The authors explain different methods of proofs and show how they are useful for establishing classic probability results.

After building a foundation in probability, the text intersperses examples that make seemingly esoteric mathematical constructs more intuitive. These examples elucidate essential elements in definitions and conditions in theorems. In addition, counterexamples further clarify nuances in meaning and expose common fallacies in logic.

This text encourages students in statistics and biostatistics to think carefully about probability. It gives them the rigorous foundation necessary to provide valid proofs and avoid paradoxes and nonsensical conclusions.

Michael A. Proschan is a mathematical statistician in the Biostatistics Research Branch at the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). A fellow of the American Statistical Association, Dr. Proschan has published more than 100 articles in numerous peer-reviewed journals. His research interests include monitoring clinical trials, adaptive methods, permutation tests, and probability. He earned a PhD in statistics from Florida State University.

Pamela A. Shaw is an assistant professor of biostatistics in the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. Dr. Shaw has published several articles in numerous peer-reviewed journals. Her research interests include methodology to address covariate and outcome measurement error, the evaluation of diagnostic tests, and the design of medical studies. She earned a PhD in biostatistics from the University of Washington.