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Thinking Statistically - Uri Bram

By Josh Kaufman

Statistics is an important subject, but it’s notoriously difficult to learn. The ideas are useful, but it’s far too easy to be overwhelmed by complex formulae and dry proofs.

Thinking Statistically explains essential concepts in statistics with wit and flair. Instead of page after page of mathematical mumbo-jumbo, Uri Bram tells stories that clearly illustrate the core ideas. The math is there, but the illustrations make each formula easy to follow and remember. The approach helps you remember and apply these concepts to real-world situations, as one reviewer noted:

“Perversely, the best compliment I can give this book is to warn prospective readers against relying on its very high reviews, because of the inherent selection bias in the sample of reviewers relative to the entire population of readers.”

You’ll learn about major sources of statistical bias, the importance of representative samples, how to know when you can rely on statistical analyses with confidence, and how to use Bayes’ Theorem to update your probability estimates as you gather more information.

If you need an advanced statistics reference, I still recommend checking out Principles of Statistics_ by M.G. Bulmer. Otherwise, _Thinking Statistically is the best introductory primer available.

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