Statistics in Plain English

Statistics: A First Course is a straightforward, conversational introduction to statistics that delivers exactly what its title promises. It provides a detailed step-by-step explanation of how statistics work and what information they provide, with examples from real-world research. The new edition includes a chapter on person-centered analyses, enhanced descriptions of non-parametric statistics, and more information about the assumptions of various statistics. It works as a standalone or supplement and covers a range of statistical concepts from descriptive statistics to factor analysis and person-centered analyses.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 29 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

It is a comprehensive and user-friendly introduction to statistics that lives up to its title. Each chapter begins with a concise overview of a statistic, explaining its purpose and appropriate applications. Following this, a detailed step-by-step explanation is provided, outlining how the statistic works and the valuable information it offers. Chapters also include real-world examples of the statistic in action, 'Worked Examples', sections that guide writing about each statistic, 'Wrapping Up and Looking Forward' sections, and practice work problems.

A new chapter on person-centered analyses, encompassing cluster analysis and latent class analysis (LCA), has been added (Chapter 16). Person-centered analysis is gaining popularity in social-science research as an alternative to variable-centered analyses. The chapter on non-parametric statistics (Chapter 14) has been significantly enhanced, with in-depth descriptions of Mann-Whitney U, Kruskall-Wallace, and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank analyses. These non-parametric statistics are valuable alternatives for data that do not follow a normal distribution.

This new edition also provides more detailed information about the assumptions underlying various statistics, including a comprehensive explanation of the assumptions and consequences of violating regression assumptions (Chapter 13). Furthermore, there is increased emphasis on the importance of the normal distribution in statistics, with additional coverage in Chapters 4 and 7.

To further enhance the learning experience, each of the last nine chapters includes an example from real-world research that employs the statistic or statistics covered in the chapter.

In conclusion, this revised edition of Introduction to Statistics offers a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to the field. Its clear explanations, real-world examples, and practical applications make it an invaluable resource for students, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding and applying statistical concepts.

Dimension: 280 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367342821
Edition number: 5 ed