The Practical Guide to Statistics: Applications with Excel, R, and Calc

This book presents basic statistical concepts, and methods with a particular emphasis on their meaning, and practicality in real life. Many introductory statistics texts do not provide the practical motivations behind the techniques, nor the reasons why the techniques were formulated the way they are. With the specific approach used in this book, the motive behind the statistical concepts and methods being described is put forward. The main purpose of the methods is kept before the reader, and used as often as needed to justify each step taken. A particular effort is made towards reconciling statistical logic and common sense, with the objective of gaining insight into the real value of the statistical solution.

This book contains numerous examples, where selected problems are presented with a detailed solution. You will have the opportunity to verify your understanding of key concepts, and to develop problem solving skills. The calculations are done using MS Excel, R and Calc, which gives you 3 software options to choose from. The advantages and disadvantages of these options are discussed. This is the ideal book for newcomers to the field of statistics, as well as for those with experience in statistics who want to have a deeper understanding of what they do.