Introduction to Statistics
Fundamental Concepts and Procedures of Data Analysis
- Howard M. Reid - SUNY Buffalo State, USA
Using a truly accessible and reader-friendly approach, this comprehensive introduction to statistics redefines the way statistics can be taught and learned. Unlike other books that merely focus on procedures, Reid’s approach balances development of critical thinking skills with application of those skills to contemporary statistical analysis. He goes beyond simply presenting techniques by focusing on the key concepts readers need to master in order to ensure their long-term success. Indeed, this exciting new book offers the perfect foundation upon which readers can build as their studies and careers progress to more advanced forms of statistics.
Keeping computational challenges to a minimum, Reid shows readers not only how to conduct a variety of commonly used statistical procedures, but also when each procedure should be utilized and how they are related. Following a review of descriptive statistics, he begins his discussion of inferential statistics with a two-chapter examination of the Chi Square test to introduce students to hypothesis testing, the importance of determining effect size, and the need for post hoc tests. When more complex procedures related to interval/ratio data are covered, students already have a solid understanding of the foundational concepts involved. Exploring challenging topics in an engaging and easy-to-follow manner, Reid builds concepts logically and supports learning through robust pedagogical tools, the use of SPSS, numerous examples, historical quotations, insightful questions, and helpful progress checks.
“The non-traditional, but student friendly way of organizing the statistical tests will help students to better grasp the material. If instructors teach computer data analysis (SPSS) with their statistics course, then this book would be good for both.”
—Ngoc H. Bui, University of La Verne
“The major strength this text possesses is the approach in explaining and demonstrating the statistical concepts and applications.”
—Elizabeth Kudadjie-Gyamfi, Long Island University, Brooklyn
Covers material in easy to understand format
cost to students
supplimental resources for faculty and students
I did not use this book as a primary text, but did include it in my syllabus as a recommended text for my students. My students usually want to do qualitative research, so this was not as well suited for my classes.
A little too specific for this course.
Good and easy to follow. Good for students to read from year 2 and implement at final year. If this book can incorporate, several worked examples from nutrition research, public health and sports sciences that would be great.
This book, based on SPSS, links theory to practice when applied to a course like Psychology.
I would have liked more instructor's resources with different examples of problems. Students get bored when you work out the same examples that are in their text.
Additionally, I am looking for a statistics book that incorporates some experiments that draw from the field of neuroscience, rather than pure psychology. We teach this class to both psych and neuro majors, and its been very difficult to find data sets using animal models/neuroscience questions.
My hope is that the engaging writing style will make this a text that my students will read.
I have adopted for both summer & fall of 2014. I'm pretty sure I've already ordered ancillaries (but please check). Thanks.
Useful for those students who require statistical analysis for their projects.