On statistics

Handy guide includes a 70-page outline of essential statistical formulas covering grouped and ungrouped data, finite populations, probability, nonparametric tests, analysis of variance, and more, plus over 1,000 clear, concise definitions of statistical terms. "Should be part of the library of anyone using statistical methods." —American Library Association. 1966 edition.

This manuscript contains various approaches in interpreting data and how the unearthed pieces of information be used as practical inputs for decision making. With the aid of Microsoft Excel, presented in a step-by-step manner, data sets that differ in kind, probability, and distributions are analyzed and interpreted with a framework of solidifying fundamental understanding of data analysis and of carrying through these skills in the daily administration of decisions in managing production, people, money, and all forms of resources. This book hopes to complement with the other existing books in research and statistics that prefer to treat problems manually and explain applications theoretically. Students doing basic high school research will benefit from this book. College and graduate students who are doing a classroom research activity will also take full advantage of this. However, some novice researchers and professionals may find this manuscript equally useful; and those others who decided to dislike mathematics but found awe in it nonetheless. This book is really for them.

The fairly large sample of current basic statistics books I gave thought to recently may, in my view, be characterized as number pushers with a large number of illustrations intended to convey a sense of the importance of statistics to the study of real-world problems. What’s wrong with that? Nothing, provided that what I submit to be the necessities of statistics education are given the attention they warrant, are not smothered by glitz, overwhelming attention to number pushing, do not receive shortshrift, or are not mentioned at all. Am I being too critical? I invite you to give thought to fifteen, issues/questions that are the core of the aforenoted chasm and render your verdict. Food-for-thought in support of the issues/questions raised along with answers/discussion are included. Many students and those who apply statistics to their fields of interest subscribe to the view that to apply statistics to a problem/situation all you need do is throw your data into a computer and let it do its thing. The further they travel along this road of thought the more we can expect misunderstanding of statistics and, when it comes to publication, statistical junk. I believe that the only way to change the direction of this road of thought is to incorporate into our teaching of basic statistics what is feasible of the necessities of statistics education. For further discussion of the necessities of basic statistics education I recommend the book I coauthored with my colleagues Irwin Kabus and Mitchell Preiss: Statistics: Basic Principles and Applications, 2nd ed, (Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co., 2000) or the revised 2nd ed., W. J. Adams (Xlibris, 2009).

How to Find Out in Mathematics: A Guide to Sources of Information, Second Revised Edition presents updated topics about probability and statistics, dictionaries and encyclopedias, computing, and mathematical education. The book discusses the modifications of the content of professional actuarial examinations; the assimilation of modern mathematics into the school curriculum; and the establishment of government departments to administer financial support for mathematical research. The text also describes the efforts to improve communication between mathematicians (i.e. the inception of the Mathematical Offprint Service and the publication of Contents of Contemporary Mathematical Journals by the American Mathematical Society). People who are studying, teaching, or applying mathematics will find the book helpful.