Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Understanding Statistics and Experimental Design: How to Not Lie with Statistics

Rate this book
This open access textbook provides the background needed to correctly use, interpret and understand statistics and statistical data in diverse settings.  Part I makes key concepts in statistics readily clear. Parts I and II give an overview of the most common tests (t-test, ANOVA, correlations) and work out their statistical principles. Part III provides insight into meta-statistics (statistics of statistics) and demonstrates why experiments often do not replicate. Finally, the textbook shows how complex statistics can be avoided by using clever experimental design.  Both non-scientists and students in Biology, Biomedicine and Engineering will benefit from the book by learning the statistical basis of scientific claims and by discovering ways to evaluate the quality of scientific reports in academic journals and news outlets.

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 13, 2019

321 people are currently reading
200 people want to read

About the author

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
21 (51%)
4 stars
14 (34%)
3 stars
5 (12%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Profile Image for BookCrazy.
337 reviews51 followers
June 22, 2021
An absolute must read for everyone nowadays.
We are being constantly inundated with information and statistics, more so now with COVID-19. But is the information we're getting truly useful? Does it give us the full picture?

This book give us the tools to understand statistics correctly and to recognize partial information that may not be reliable.
Profile Image for Sarah Jensen.
2,090 reviews170 followers
Read
January 5, 2025
Book Review: Understanding Statistics and Experimental Design: How to Not Lie with Statistics by Michael H. Herzog, Gregory Francis, and Aaron Clarke

Understanding statistics can often feel like navigating a labyrinth of numbers, tests, and interpretations. In Understanding Statistics and Experimental Design: How to Not Lie with Statistics, Michael H. Herzog, Gregory Francis, and Aaron Clarke provide an accessible and open-access textbook that demystifies the world of statistics for non-scientists and students in fields such as Biology, Biomedicine, and Engineering. This comprehensive resource empowers readers to critically evaluate scientific claims and reports, making it a valuable tool for navigating the often murky waters of statistical interpretation.

The textbook is thoughtfully structured into three distinct parts. Part I lays a solid foundation by clarifying key statistical concepts that are vital for understanding subsequent material. This introduction sets the stage for readers who may be new to statistics, ensuring they grasp essential terminology and principles before delving deeper.

Parts II and III build on this foundation by reviewing common statistical tests, including t-tests, ANOVA, and correlations. The authors explain the principles behind these tests in a clear and straightforward manner, breaking down complex ideas into digestible segments. This rigorous yet approachable examination of statistical tests not only equips readers with the necessary tools to conduct analyses but also fosters an appreciation for the nuances of interpreting results.

Furthermore, Part III delves into meta-statistics and the challenges of replication in experimental research. This discussion is particularly relevant in today’s scientific landscape, where reproducibility has become a pressing concern. The authors emphasize the importance of robust experimental design, guiding readers to understand how thoughtful planning can simplify complex statistical interpretations and enhance the reliability of research findings.

One of the standout features of this textbook is its commitment to targeting a broad audience without compromising depth. By focusing on non-scientists and students, Herzog, Francis, and Clarke ensure that the content is not only informative but also practical. Their goal is clear: to equip readers with the skills necessary to critically evaluate scientific literature, fostering informed consumers of research.

Understanding Statistics and Experimental Design is a remarkable educational resource that balances rigor and accessibility. Herzog, Francis, and Clarke succeed in making statistics approachable, encouraging readers to engage with data thoughtfully and critically. This textbook is a must-have for anyone looking to bolster their statistical literacy, making it an invaluable addition to academic libraries and personal collections alike. With this guide in hand, readers are well-prepared to navigate the complex world of statistics and emerge with a clearer understanding of the data-driven claims that shape our understanding of science.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.