Introduction to Probability and Its Applications

This text focuses on the utility of probability in solving real-world problems for students in a one-semester calculus-based probability course. Theory is developed to a practical degree and grounded in discussion of its practical uses in solving real-world problems. Numerous applications using up-to-date real data in engineering and the life, social, and physical sciences illustrate and motivate the many ways probability affects our lives. The text’s accessible presentation carefully progresses from routine to more difficult problems to suit students of different backgrounds, and carefully explains how and where to apply methods. Students going on to more advanced courses in probability and statistics will gain a solid background in fundamental concepts and theory, while students who must apply probability to their courses engineering and the sciences will develop a working knowledge of the subject and appreciation of its practical power.

Richard L. Scheaffer, Professor Emeritus of Statistics, University of Florida, received his Ph.D. in statistics from Florida State University. Accompanying a career of teaching, research and administration, Dr. Scheaffer has led efforts on the improvement of statistics education throughout the school and college curriculum. Co-author of five textbooks, he was one of the developers of the Quantitative Literacy Project that formed the basis of the data analysis strand in the curriculum standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. He also led the task force that developed the AP Statistics Program, for which he served as Chief Faculty Consultant. Dr. Scheaffer is a Fellow and past president of the American Statistical Association, a past chair of the Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences, and an advisor on numerous statistics education projects.

Linda J. Young, Ph.D., Oklahoma State University, is a Professor of Statistics at the University of Florida where she teaches, consults, and conducts research on statistical methods in public health, agricultural, environmental, and ecological settings. Dr. Young previously was a faculty member at Oklahoma State University and the University of Nebraska. Her more than 100 publications have appeared in 49 different journals, and was a recipient of the American Statistical Association's Founders Award. She has been editor of the Journal of Agricultural, Biological and Environmental Statistics and associate editor for Biometrics and Sequential Analysis. She has served as President of the Eastern North American Region of the American Statistical Association, Vice-President of the American Statistical Association, Chair of the Committee of Presidents of Statistical Societies, member of the National Institute of Statistical Science's Board of Directors, fellow of the American Statistical Association, and elected member of the International Statistical Institute. She has also served on numerous panels for the National Science Foundation and Environmental Protection Agency. Dr. Young's recent research has focused on linking disparate data sets and the subsequent analysis of these data using spatial statistical methods.