Statistics has played a leading role in our scientific understanding of the world for centuries,yet we are all familiar with the way statistical claims can be sensationalised,particularly in the media. In the age of big data,as data science becomes established as a discipline,a basic grasp of statistical literacy is more important than ever.
In The Art of Statistics,David Spiegelhalter guides the reader through the essential principles we need in order to derive knowledge from data. Drawing on real world problems to introduce conceptual issues,he shows us how statistics can help us determine the luckiest passenger on the Titanic,whether serial killer Harold Shipman could have been caught earlier,and if screening for ovarian cancer is beneficial.
How many trees are there on the planet Do busier hospitals have higher survival rates Why do old men have big ears Spiegelhalter reveals the answers to these and many other questions - questions that can only be addressed using statistical science.
Publisher: Penguin Books LtdISBN: 9780241258767Number of pages: 448Weight: 260 gDimensions: 176 x 110 x 34 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
'There is something in here for everyone...A call to arms for greater societal data literacy...Spiegelhalter's work serves as a reminder that there are passionate,self-aware statisticians who can argue eloquently that their discipline is needed now more than ever.'- The Financial Times
'Important and comprehensive'- Hannah Fry,The New Yorker
'The Art of Statistics is in the great educational tradition of its publishing imprint,Pelican Books: an attempt to get everyone up to speed with the practical uses of statistics,without pages of terrifying equations or Greek letters. In a series of spry,airy chapters,he succeeds fabulously...Lucid and readable. In an age of scientific clickbait,'big data'and personalised medicine,this is a book that nearly everyone would benefit from reading.'- Spectator
'Shines a light on how we can use the ever-growing deluge of data to improve our understanding of the world...The Art of Statistics will serve students well. And it will be a boon for journalists eager to use statistics responsibly - along with anyone who wants to approach research and its reportage with healthy scepticism.'- Nature
'This is an excellent book. Spiegelhalter is great at explaining difficult ideas...Yes,statistics can be difficult. But much less difficult if you read this book.'- Evening Standard
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