Statistics: A Gentle Introduction

by Frederick L. Coolidge

The Fourth Edition of A Gentle Introduction shows students that an introductory statistics class doesn’t need to be difficult or dull. This text minimizes students’ anxieties about math by explaining the concepts of statistics in plain language first, before addressing the math. Each formula within the text has a step-by-step example to demonstrate the calculation so students can follow along. Only those formulas that are important for final calculations are included in the text so students can focus on the concepts, not the numbers. A wealth of real-world examples and applications gives a context for statistics in the real world and how it helps us solve problems and make informed choices.

New to the Fourth Edition are sections on working with big data, new coverage of alternative non-parametric tests, beta coefficients, and the "nocebo effect," discussions of p values in the context of research, an expanded discussion of confidence intervals, and more exercises and homework options under the new feature "Test Yourself."

 

Included with this The password-protected Instructor Resource Site (formally known as SAGE Edge) offers access to all text-specific resources, including a test bank and editable, chapter-specific PowerPoint® slides.

536 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 6, 2000

Reviews

[Dave Peticolas · Rating 3 out of 5]

It certainly is gentle, and is spruced up with some interesting bits about the history of statistics. I would have liked more in-depth explanations of the statistical techniques, though. This book will teach you how to perform basic statistical analysis, but won't really enlighten you as to how, and why, it works.

[Robb Brewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to Stats. Makes the concepts and math very accessible for beginners.