By Sally Caldwell - Statistics Unplugged (4th Revised edition)

by Sally Caldwell

In a pleasing and conversational tone, the author uses this brief introductory text to invite the student to join her on a rewarding journey into the often-feared territory of statistics . Rather than emphasizing equations at the expense of understanding, Statistics Unplugged gives students a clear presentation of the material they need to gain a solid grasp of what is involved in the process of statistical reasoning. While avoiding unnecessary jargon, this book uses the process of repetition and cross-referencing chapters to underscore the important concepts. As a result, the student is led, step-by-step, along the path of statistical reasoning.

Genres: Textbooks, School, Mathematics, Education

Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Lindsey Mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's statistics. Was it interesting? No. I don't think anyone could make a stats book interesting. Statistics is the dullest topic on the face of the planet, and I can't blame the author for that, though she did try to make the book tolerable. Was the book written in a way that I could easily understand the information and pass my online statistics class even though I am not a math person? Yes. Am I glad it's all over? YES.

[Dajuroka Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed working through this book. Not really to the level of a graduate quantitative studies program but was great to do practical examples and understand 'baby' statistics. Wish there was a next level book as well.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written in simple language and in a tone that is akin to a teacher speaking directly to the reader. Caldwell repeats information throughout a chapter, and that rehearsal helps the reader remember important aspects of basic statistics. I read the 2nd edition years ago, and I'm currently re-reading the book in its 4th edition, and though it can feel a bit slow for someone who already knows the information, as a teacher myself, I can see all the elements Caldwell incorporated for the book to be a successful teaching tool. I highly recommend this as a statistics textbook or as an added reference book. It is useful for anyone new to stats or wanting an easy-to-read refresher.

[Terran M · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a "statistics for jocks" type of book. It's very "Hey, YOU can do a t-test! Yes you can! So stop looking so glum! Take your number and put it in here!" It's completely memorization-based, and it's just not an adequate level of preparation for what I need people to be able to do.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for class. It was straight forward, and the examples offered were helpful.

[Nat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well this book did make this subject digestible enough for me to pass my mandatory statistics class so it is good.

[Nikola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to statistics for behavioral scientists. It achieved its aim of focusing on the logic behind statistical calculations.

[Valentina Chialvo · Rating 4 out of 5]

ustedes dirán, che valen que haces poniendole 4 estrellas a un manual de estadística? pero ustedes no entienden. Sally me salvo la vida. god bless her heart.

[Sommer · Rating 5 out of 5]

So one might ask, why put a statistics book on your reading list or even bother to review it? This book is awesome! I recommend it to anyone needing an introduction to statistics. It makes learning stats interesting and easily digestible to the non-math oriented individual. I am now fascinated with the subject of stats thanks to this book!

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

The concepts are presented with typical clarity, but Caldwell persistently assumes an unenthusiastic, pessimistic, and impatient reader, the the recurring reminders of this are annoying to the person reading the book out of a desire and determination to learn, and may serve as an excuse for not being more engaging.

[Katherine Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as this textbook attempted to be accessible, it does not fit with a technological world. I appreciate the formulas and can calculate them if needed, but when my entire class (and all of my data as well) runs in Excel, it would be nice to have information on how to calculate within statistical software.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written and very basic statistics book (high school - if that) that covers useful material (upto ANOVA, correlation & regression) . I slammed through this book and exercises in no time. But it met my goal to ensure that I really understand the things that I think I understand and develop a deeper intuition.

[Suzi Belanger · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author did a fairly decent job of explaining statistics to a non-math reader. There were certain times I felt significantly more overwhelmed (I'm looking at you regression analysis), but I now understand conceptually what statistics are supposed to do before we put our own biases in.

[Gabrielle Wonnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

As far as required statistics textbooks go, it was pretty good.