Statistics for Biologists [Paperback]

A lucid introduction to the principles and more elementary techniques of statistical reasoning.Assuming no mathematical training and using a minimum of jargon and symbolism, the third edition of this textbook provides a clear introduction to the principles and elementary techniques of statistical reasoning.Assuming no mathematical training and using a minimum of jargon and symbolism, the third edition of this textbook provides a clear introduction to the principles and elementary techniques of statistical reasoning.The third edition of this successful textbook is a lucid introduction to the principles and elementary techniques of statistical reasoning. New materials are included that show the usefulness of computers to biologists; computer analyses of a selection of the examples are presented, using SPSS-X, Minitab and Genstat. The book assumes no mathematical training and uses a minimum of jargon and symbolism. Particular attention is paid to the validity and use of statistical procedures, the interpretation of results, and the meanings of conclusions. Full explanations of statistical methods are given.Preface; Preface to second edition; Preface to third edition; 1. What is statistics about?; 2. Presenting the information contained in one sample; 3. Comparing several samples; 4. Association; 5. Choosing between actions; 6. The normal distribution; 7. The normal vartiable in experiments and surveys; 8. Associated normal variables; 9. Some non-normal distributions; Further reading; References; Appendix; Index. ...an impressively thorough introduction to statistics...While the title indicates a bent toward biological research, and indeed many examples are drawn from that discipline, the book remains an excellent introduction to statistics for students in virtually any field. John H. Krystal, The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine