This best-selling introduction stresses the development of statistical thinking – the assessment of credibility and value of the inferences made from data – by both those who consume and those who produce the information. The authors emphasize inference; data collection and analysis are covered extensively, as needed, to evaluate the reported results of statistical studies and to make good business decisions. Numerous case studies, examples, and exercises draw on real business situations and recent economic events. Assumes a background in basic algebra.