1.Blend of theory and applications. The basic theoretical concepts of mathematical statistics are integrated with a two-semester presentation of statistical methodology. Thus, the instructor has the option of presenting a course with either of two characteristics — a course stressing basic concepts and applied statistics or a course that, while still tilted toward application, presents a modes introduction to the theory underlying statistical inference.
2.Statistical software applications with tutorials. The instructor and student have the option of using statistical software to perform the statistical calculations. Printouts from three popular statistical software packages -- SAS, SPSS, and Minitab — as well as Microsoft Excel output are fully integrated into text. Tutorials with menu screens and dialog boxes are provided in Appendices C, D, and E. These tutorials are designed for the novice user; no prior experience with the software is needed.
3.Blended coverage of topics and applications.
The material on multiple regression and model building (Chapters 11-12), principles of experimental design (Chapter 13), quality control (Chapter 16), and reliability (Chapter 17) sets the text apart from the typical introductory statistics text. Although the material often refers to theoretical concepts, the presentation is oriented toward applications.
4.Numerous real data-based exercises.
5.“Statistics in Action” case studies. The 5th edition of the text now includes a contemporary scientific study (“Statistics in Action”) and the accompanying data and analysis at the end of each chapter.
6.Data sets provided online. All of the data sets associated with examples, exercises, and cases are provided online at www.prenhall.com/statistics (search for this title).
7.Numerical answers to exercises available at the back of the book.