Understanding Statistics

The modern world is brimming with statistical information--information relevant to our personal health and safety, the weather, or the robustness of the national or global economy, to name just a few examples. But don't statistics lie?

Well, no--people lie, and sometimes they use statistical language to do it. Knowing when you're being hoodwinked requires a degree of statistical literacy, but most people don't learn how to interpret statistical claims unless they take a formal course that trains them in the mathematical techniques of statistical analysis.

This book won't turn you into a statistician--that would require a much longer and more technical discussion--but it will give you the tools to understand statistical claims and avoid common pitfalls associated with translating statistical information from the language of mathematics to plain English.