How to Think about Statistics

I originally checked this book out from the library to study for an exam. I liked it so much that I bought it. Would definitely recommend this book to people who want a general overview of basic statistics.

It's been about 20 years since I'd done any statistics, so I got the 5th edition from the library. It's a very good overview of the basic concepts. I purchased the 6th edition so I could have my own copy that I could write in, but I'm very unhappy with the book itself. It's printed on a cheap pulp paper that's so bad that any kind of marking (highlighter, ballpoint pen, etc.) bleeds through to the other side of the page. The binding is so weak I'm afraid to put it in a book holder. Overall, the quality is no better than a supermarket romance novel. What a shame, I'd have paid more for a quality book I could have kept on my reference shelf.

This book focuses on concepts rather than computation. It is an excellent supplemental text which takes the time to explain the ideas behind the equations. Statistics can be very difficult conceptually to the beginning student. By focusing on concepts, this book can break down some barriers to learning.The scope is that of an introductory statistics course, including in introduction to measures of central tendency, the normal distribution, correlation, inference, hypothesis testing, and a final chapter on correlation, causation and effect size. The example problems are well chosen, and the discussion is clear and well reasoned. If I were teaching a course in statistics, I would require this as a supplemental text. It is also appropriate for self study.

This book is a great introduction to statistics. The author not only explains each concept with its application, but also provides case scenarios to reinforce the concept. But it doesn't stop here. The author goes even further and examines the circumstances and assumptions surrounding each application of the concepts. An excellent introductory book for understanding statistics!

I started using this book as a supplemental text in my introduciton to statistics classes. It is straightforward, intuitive, and explains concpetual issues in statistics very well. Students who have trouble with other statistics book find that Phillip's book is a tremendous help. This book helps "Understand Statistics" in a non-mathematical way.