Reviewed by Marilyn Cook
PreK-5 teacher
Do you shudder when you hear the word "statistics"? How about a book that explains "statistics" in an understandable way and possibly tells you more than you want to know? Look no further. The author of this book appears to "feel your pain" and explains how numbers work when working with statistics.
There are 8 chapters. The first introduces you to Galton, Pearson, Gosset, and Fisher as a brief history of statistics is presented. From scales and number distribution to the chi–square test, each chapter begins with specific objectives and key terms and ends with review questions and answers. There are step–by–step guides to calculation including using computers, clear examples, and discussions of what the numbers mean when you are done. Sample problems with answers make this book suitable for instruction, but the clear and authentic nature of the questions also make it good for teachers who simply want to understand the statistics that are meaningful to the classroom.
Chapters also include Internet resources, references, and a list for further reading. There are very easy to read tables, charts, and diagrams. This could be used as a textbook or for self–study. For teachers that analyze student data on norm referenced or criterion referenced state and national assessments, this book could be a real friend. Where was the book when I was in grad school?
Review posted on 4/25/2012
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