This first edition focuses on probability and the Bayesian viewpoint. It presents basic material on probability and then introduces inference by means of Bayes' rule. The emphasis is on statistical thinking and how one learns from data. The objective is to present the basic tenets of statistical inference. Unique in its format, the text allows students to discover statistical concepts, explore statistical principles, and apply statistical techniques. In addition to the numerous activities and exercises around which the text is built, the book includes a basic text exposition for each topic, and data appendices.
Industry Reviews
From the reviews: THE AMERICAN STATISTICIAN "Albert has done a very smooth job of writing his half of this book so that it flows with the original Rossman chapters. His chapters of the book have the same playful, and highly readable, approaches to learning statistics that have made the Workshop Statistics series so popular for introductory statistics courses where minimal mathematics ability is needed. His examples and problems are ones that a typical college student would find interesting!If you are an instructor of a class that either has been using the Workshop Statistics series, or is contemplating doing so, but have wanted a Bayesian approach, then this text is for you. This text is highly enjoyable, reads fluidly, has a pace suitable for undergraduates with minimal mathematical abilities, and covers the basics of Bayesian analysis in a way that the students will be able to follow without becoming confused by the many complicated algebraic methods behind introductory statistics!Overall, this a very excellent addition to Workshop Statistics series, and one that will make people who have wished to introduce Bayesian methods to all undergraduate students very happy. It is highly readable has excellent problems, and Allen Rossman and James Albert's Web site include solutions to the problems, sample syllabi, sample exams, datasets, Minitab programs and macros, Java applets and a guide for instructors. Even if you do not feel that this text is suitable as the main text for your introductory course I would recommend a copy as a reference, or as a lab manual, as many of the examples and problems are suitable activities for any introductory class." "This text is highly enjoyable, reads fluidly, has a pace suitable for undergraduates with minimal mathematical abilities, and covers the basics of Bayesian analysis ! . this is a very excellent addition to the Workshop Statistics series ! . It is highly readable, has excellent problems ! . I would recommend a copy as a reference, or as a lab manual, as many of the examples and problems are suitable activities for any introductory class." (Kevin D. Rees, The American Statistician, Vol. 56 (1), 2002) "This new book in the Workshop series presents introductory statistics in a Bayesian framework. The approach ! provides students with the opportunity to explore ideas and discover results with minimal influence of the instructor. ! Each topic is accompanied by several activities, five or six of which are to be used in class and the rest for homework. ! Overall, this is a welcome addition to the books available for teaching introductory courses from a Bayesian perspective, especially while teaching to a general audience." (Mark C. Greenwood, Technometrics, Vol. 44 (3), 2002)
