Introductory Statistics: A Problem-Solving Approach: Edition 3

Stephen Kokoska

Nov 2019 · Macmillan Higher Education

About this ebook

This text helps students develop the fundamental lifelong skill of solving problems and interpreting solutions in real-world terms. One of our goals was to make this problem-solving approach accessible and easy to apply in many situations. We certainly want students to appreciate the beauty of statistics and connections to so many other disciplines. However, it is even more important for students to be able to apply problem-solving skills to a wide range of academic and career pursuits, including business, science and technology, and education.

Third Edition, presents long-term, universal skills for students taking a one- or two-semester introductory-level statistics course. Examples include guided, explanatory solutions that emphasize problem-solving techniques. Example solutions are presented in a numbered, step-by-step format. The generous collection and variety of exercises provide ample opportunity for practice and review in a variety of contexts. Concepts, examples, and exercises are presented from a practical, realistic perspective. Real and realistic data sets are current and relevant. The text uses mathematically correct notation and symbols and precise definitions to clearly illustrate statistical procedures and proper communication.

This text is designed to help students fully understand the steps in basic statistical arguments, emphasizing the importance of assumptions in order to follow valid arguments or identify inaccurate conclusions. Most importantly, students will understand the process of statistical inference. A four-step process (Claim, Experiment, Likelihood, Conclusion) is used throughout the text to present the smaller pieces of introductory statistics upon which the large, essential statistical inference puzzle is built.

About the author

Steve Kokoska received his undergraduate degree from Boston College, and his M.S and Ph.D. from the University of New Hampshire. His initial research interests included the statistical analysis of cancer chemoprevention experiments. He has published a number of research papers in mathematics journals, including: Biometrics, Anticancer Research, and Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine. He has also presented results at national conferences, written several books, and been awarded grants from the National Science Foundation, the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, and the Ben Franklin Program.

Steve is a long-time consultant for the College Board and conducted workshops in Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and China. He was the AP Calculus Chief Reader for four years, and has been involved with calculus reform and the use of technology in the classroom. He has been teaching at Bloomsburg University for 25years and recently served as Director of the Honors Program.

Steve has been teaching introductory statistics classes throughout his academic career, and there is no doubt that this is his favorite course. This class (and text) provides students with basic, life-long, quantitative skills that they will use in almost any job and teaches them how to think and reason logically. Steve believes very strongly in data-driven decisions and conceptual understanding through problem solving.