Statistics in Action: Understanding a World of Data

When it was time to make a decision concerning which textbook to use in my basic statistics class, this is one of the books I examined. While I generally found it to be written at a level suitable for classes in basic statistics, there were two features that I did not like. The first was the opening presentation of chapter 1. It involves the use of statistical data to examine an alleged case of age discrimination. I consider the scenario too advanced for an opening example. Probabilities are used in the evaluation of the situation, even though probability is not covered until chapter 6. Simulations and inference are also mentioned in the presentation. In my opinion, opening the book with this detailed of a case study will intimidate many of the students. The second feature that I didn't like was the absence of ANOVA. I consider it to be a critical topic that must be covered in basic statistics classes. Other than these two features, the coverage, level of exposition and style of presentation are all better than average. There are also plenty of exercises at the end of the sections and solutions to many are included at the end. Although I could use this book for my class, I would skip chapter 1 and use a supplement to cover ANOVA. Therefore, I will not be using it in my basic statistics class.

This is a wonderful statistics book if you are teaching AP Statistics or an introductory college course or if you hated statistics in college and want to give the subject a second chance. Before you even get into the first formula, the authors provide a REAL set of data, involving an accusation of age discrimination. The rookie learner is immediately DOING statistics and the authors do not stop there. The book is crowded with useful data - both data gleaned from the real world and from activities throughout the book. Anyone familiar with statistics education is well aware of the positive contributions of Ann Watkins, Dick Scheaffer and George Cobb. This book is their latest contribution to the growth of statistical knowledge. The writing is clear and most readable. The examples are engaging and there are three types of problems: discussion questions, practice activities and exercises. I have been teaching statistics in high school and university classrooms since 1976. I am pleased with the growth in the number of good introductory texts. Now there is one more member in the small group of books that I would choose to use to teach statistics. Statistics in Action is a book you MUST have if you are looking at books with "statistics' in the title! Key Curriculum Press has another success to add to its list of great books.