Statistical Methods An Introductory Text

Contents: 1. Descriptive Statistics Introduction. 2. Collection of Data. 3. Presentation and Classification of Data . 4. Measures of Location and Dispersion. 5. Index Numbers. 6. Probability and Mathematical Statistics Elements of Probability Theory. 7. Random Variable and Probability Distribution. 8. Elements of Sampling Theory . 9. Correlation and Regression. 10. Statistical Inference. 11. Further Tests of Significance. 12. Special Topics: Applied Statistics Time Series Analysis. 13. Demography . 14. Sample Surveys. The preface elucidates that the text is designed for degree courses in India. However I imagine that it could play a useful role for those in Britain. It is mainly intended as an introductory text for those studying social sciences and economics. Individuals from other disciplines would no doubt still find it useful as a general reference. The chapters are well written and easy to follow. An appealing feature of the book is that much emphasis is placed on the understanding and application of statistical methods. There is avoidance of excessive presentation of formulae. For these reasons alone I think that students will find the text attractive. Each chapter finishes with a series of well-formulated questions which test the readers understanding. The two chapters on Statistical Inference and Tests of Significance are excellent. It is a comprehensive and interesting text one that I think most students would find useful. Indeed it is an useful addition to my library having already referred to it often.The Statistician London Vol. 45. No. 3 1996.…