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Statistics Explained: An Introductory Guide for Life Scientists Hardcover – Illustrated, 3 November 2011

4.8 out of 5 stars 32 ratings
Edition: 2nd

An understanding of statistics and experimental design is essential for life science studies, but many students lack a mathematical background and some even dread taking an introductory statistics course. Using a refreshingly clear and encouraging reader-friendly approach, this book helps students understand how to choose, carry out, interpret and report the results of complex statistical analyses, critically evaluate the design of experiments and proceed to more advanced material. Taking a straightforward conceptual approach, it is specifically designed to foster understanding, demystify difficult concepts and encourage the unsure. Even complex topics are explained clearly, using a pictorial approach with a minimum of formulae and terminology. Examples of tests included throughout are kept simple by using small data sets. In addition, end-of-chapter exercises, new to this edition, allow self-testing. Handy diagnostic tables help students choose the right test for their work and remain a useful refresher tool for postgraduates.

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Review

'Every so often, a researcher or teacher comes across a book and exclaims 'I wish I had had a book like this when I started!' … Statistics Explained is such a book. Steve McKillup writes with empathy for students' anxiety about statistics. He replaces complex-looking formulae with graphics and realistic examples. He is a biologist writing for fellow-biologists … [The book] explains why the statistical test is needed before describing the test. Essential features of good survey and experimental design are clearly outlined … This is not 'just another biostatistics textbook'. Its sheer readability will restore confidence to the most anxious student while experienced researchers will savour the clarity of the explanations of the common univariate and multivariate analyses … an ideal core text for anyone teaching or studying biostatistics …' Andrew Boulton, University of New England, Australia

'It's remarkable that, after the appearance of many statistics textbooks and statistics computer packages over the years, finally someone has produced a succinct and accessible text that takes a common-sense and appealing approach to the basics of statistical analysis. Complementing Steve McKillup's remarkably lucid explanations is a format which sings pleasingly with clarity. The book progresses in logical fashion through the variety of statistical tests and gives the reader a sound background in the process without the common dizzying confusion. The narrative style and informative approach has made my copy a much-travelled item from my bookshelf to the shores of both undergraduate confusion and postgraduate clarification. However, I always make sure it comes back because it [is] a valued item in my biology toolkit.' Michael Kokkinn, University of South Australia

'Statistics Explained is an excellent introduction to statistics for new students and a helpful refresher for more seasoned researchers. The text is quite readable and filled with practical examples for the life sciences.' Erin D. Sheets, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy

'Most exciting perhaps are the topics covered that are not often discussed in introductory textbooks … I have no doubt that Statistics Explained will find a large and appreciative audience among undergraduate biology majors.' The Quarterly Review of Biology

Book Description

This book provides straightforward conceptual explanations of statistical methods for the life sciences, specially designed for students lacking a strong mathematical background.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cambridge University Press; 2nd edition (3 November 2011)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 420 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1107005515
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1107005518
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.24 x 2.54 x 22.86 cm
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 32 ratings

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Steve McKillup
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4.8 out of 5 stars
32 global ratings

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Top reviews from Australia

  • Reviewed in Australia on 25 March 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This book is a God-send for anyone who needs to learn and understand statistics, but is not naturally mathematically minded. Thanks to the author for creating this resource!

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Leborgne
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book: very clear and useful
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 October 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent book. I've read many statistics books, but this one is by far the best one at explaining everything from the very beginning at a very basic level to the end of it, or at least to the end of what matters the most in life sciences. I think it's perfect for people who don't feel very secure about their knowledge of stats and want to learn (or get a btter grasp at) everything they need to know before using a statistical software to make analyses.
  • MKP Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book!
    Reviewed in Canada on 16 March 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Very easy to read and understand. Examples and illustrations are excellent for nonstatisticians. I strongly recommend this book.
  • Venkatesh
    5.0 out of 5 stars A good elaborate introduction to statistics
    Reviewed in the United States on 17 June 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I strongly recommend this book as the first book for someone getting stared with statistics; say, high schoolers and undergrads. The author takes time to explain the concepts with elaborate examples (with every steps and no 'the reader can figure out the rest' crap) to help understand the concepts and, more importantly, how they are related both intuitively and mathematically. This aspect really helps when the author talk describes ANOVA.
  • Fernanda
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente libro.
    Reviewed in Mexico on 28 December 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Es un libro muy bueno para la escuela. Me encantó
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  • Andio
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sehr gut
    Reviewed in Germany on 28 November 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Bücher bewerte ich selten, aber dieses Buch war einfach gut geschrieben. Klar, verständlich und hat einen guten roten Faden oder wie auch immer man sagt...
    Jedenfalls eines der Bücher, in denen ich auch heute noch, nach ein paar Jahren, immer gerne mal wieder rumblättere.
    Ich denke, dieses Buch eignet sich auch gut für Einsteiger und unser Prof. hatte damals seine Vorlesung (Biostatistik) anhand dieses Buches aufgebaut.