Statistics : A Spectator Sport

"Richard M. Jaeger does such a good job of communicating the concept in nontechnical and applicable terms. In particular, I like Jaeger's emphasis on understanding the logic of the methods and interpreting statistical reports. His book provides the student with an alternative explanation of the underlying logic of statistical methods that I provide in class. Students have found Jaeger to be very understandable-- I have had almost universal praise of Jaeger. . . . Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this book is its clear exposition of some rather complex concepts. Jaeger's explanations are clear, he uses realistic and generally understandable examples, and does not take himself too seriously. . . . This is an excellent nontechnical statistics text."

--Barry Nocks, Clemson University

"(This book) has become one of my favorite resources and references. I love reading it. It offers pleasant reading that is interesting and completely comprehensible. And most important, it has improved my understanding of the concepts that had previously eluded me. Thank you again for offering the definitive aid to understanding the world of statistics. Who would have believed that such a topic could have been presented so wonderfully?"

--Elaine R. Kersten, Doctoral Candidate,

University of Massachusetts at Amherst

From the First Edition:

"The premise is that many of us need an understanding of statistics in order to become intelligent consumers of the reports and research generated by business, government, social scientists, and educators. . . The style is lucid and lively. A careful reading of this book could well make one reexamine the old cliche about lies, damn lies, and statistics."

--Choice

"Using clear explanations (and excluding the equations), readers learn from examples how to understand what statistics are, what they mean, and how they are used and interpreted, particularly in the social and behavioral sciences. Includes problems with answers. The book will help anyone who needs to understand statistics."

--Journal of the Institute of Health Education

"I found the author's presentation clear and readable. He introduces the different types of case study in a very logical manner, well illustrated with practical examples, and accompanied with helpful guidelines to encourage researchers to consider a broader range of research methods. . . . I would recommend this book to novices and established researchers alike. It has good breadth and depth of coverage presented in a very digestible form."

--Statistician

"Well-written; Richard M. Jaeger's lighthearted style, so often lacking in statistical texts, makes enjoyable reading. Because it starts with the basics of making sense of numbers and works its way gently up to some more complex statistical techniques, the book will be useful to the complete novice as well as the more experienced number cruncher."

--Nursing Standard

"Comprehensive text, clear illustrations, and an outstanding glossary. . . . An excellent resource. . . . An invaluable reference. . . . No graduate student . . . in a statistics course should be without it!"

--ANNA Journal

Popular in its first edition with researchers and practitioners and widely adopted for undergraduate and graduate courses, the new second edition continues to give readers a conceptual understanding of statistics without becoming mired down in statistical computations. Presuming no statistical background and beginning with the most fundamental methods for drawing statistical inferences to a variety of real-world applications, Richard M. Jaeger clearly describes and illustrates statistical procedures. New to the second edition are chapters on John Tukey's exploratory data analysis, including stem-and-leaf displays, a new chapter on threats to internal and external validity, a complete revamp of the measurement chapter to bring it up-to-date with the latest edition of the Standard for Educational and Psychological Testing, and updated examples of research applications in every chapter. Specific examples are drawn from the files of the Educational Resources Information Centers (ERIC), and a complete glossary of statistical terms, as well as a new subject index, are provided.

An excellent resource for both undergraduate and graduate students, or anyone else desiring statistical comprehension.