? This is a unique and effective contribution. Unlike somestatistical books, this is a truly enjoyable read.? (Doody? sReviews)
"For the applied researcher who does much of her or his own dataanalysis, this book is a must-have. Even the applied statisticianwould benefit from owning a copy of this collection. It is certainthat some 'rules' will be new, and the descriptions in the text cancome in quite handy when one i trying to explain a concept to anon-statistician. In short, this collection of 'rules' is highlyrecommended.„ (MAA Reviews, December 10, 2008)
“For the applied researcher who does much of her or his own dataanalysis, this book is a must-have. Even the appliedstatistician would benefit from owning a copy of thiscollection. It is certain that some 'rules' will be new, andthe descriptions in the text can come in quite handy when one istrying to explain a concept to a non-statistician. In short, this collection of 'rules' is highly recommended.„ (MAAReviews, Dec 2008)“The first edition was masterful, the second is beyondwonderful. First-edition topics have been updated; newchapters on observational studies and evidence-based medicinebroaden and deepen impact. A must read for all whoproduce or read quantitative studies.„
-Thomas A. Louis, PhD, Department of Biostatistics, JohnsHopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
“The first edition was masterful, the second is beyondwonderful. First-edition topics have been updated; newchapters on observational studies and evidence-based medicinebroaden and deepen impact. A must read for all who produce orread quantitative studies."
--Thomas A. Louis, PhD, Department of Biostatistics, JohnsHopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Statistical Rules of Thumb
von Gerald van Belle„For a beginner [this book] is a treasure trove; for anexperienced person it can provide new ideas on how better to pursuethe subject of applied statistics.“
--Journal of Quality Technology
Sensibly organized for quick reference, Statistical Rules ofThumb, Second Edition compiles simple rules that arewidely applicable, robust, and elegant, and each captures keystatistical concepts. This unique guide to the use of statisticsfor designing, conducting, and analyzing research studiesillustrates real-world statistical applications through examplesfrom fields such as public health and environmental studies. Alongwith an insightful discussion of the reasoning behind everytechnique, this easy-to-use handbook also conveys the variouspossibilities statisticians must think of when designing andconducting a study or analyzing its data.
Each chapter presents clearly defined rules related toinference, covariation, experimental design, consultation, and datarepresentation, and each rule is organized and discussed under fivesuccinct headings: introduction; statement and illustration of therule; the derivation of the rule; a concluding discussion; andexploration of the concept's extensions. The author also introducesnew rules of thumb for topics such as sample size for ratioanalysis, absolute and relative risk, ANCOVA cautions, anddichotomization of continuous variables. Additional features of theSecond Edition include:
* Additional rules on Bayesian topics
* New chapters on observational studies and Evidence-BasedMedicine (EBM)
* Additional emphasis on variation and causation
* Updated material with new references, examples, and sources
A related Web site provides a rich learning environment andcontains additional rules, presentations by the author, and amessage board where readers can share their own strategies anddiscoveries. Statistical Rules of Thumb, SecondEdition is an ideal supplementary book for courses inexperimental design and survey research methods at theupper-undergraduate and graduate levels. It also serves as anindispensable reference for statisticians, researchers, consultants, and scientists who would like to develop anunderstanding of the statistical foundations of their researchefforts. A related website www. vanbelle. org provides additionalrules, author presentations and more.
