Descriptive statistics is presented in the first section. The calculated values from this section are called sample statistics. The arithmetic mean is a familiar example. The sample statistics are used to challenge accepted or hypothesized values of the population from which the sample was obtained. Presenting and evaluating the challenge is called hypothesis testing and is a major part of the third area.
The second area of the text involves probability. A familiar example from probability involves the chance of getting a head on one toss of a coin. The section on probability introduces concepts that are very important for a better understanding of inferential statistics.
In particular, probability is used:
The problems students have with statistics often occur at what we will call "Hot Spots". These Hot Spots are concepts that may be difficult to understand or topics that simply require more help than is typically provided in the text. Sometimes it is just a matter of needing more practice so that the concept, formula, or notation is understood. The Hot Spots are designed to provide the additional help and are the focus of this study guide.
One final point needs to be made regarding the philosophy of this study guide. Every effort has been made to make the study guide readable. There is a generous use of space to allow the reader to take notes, respond, and to interact with what has been written. Please do highlight it, mark it up, write in it, and get involved.
The Study Guide Assumes:
The section titled Key Terms, Formulas, and Notation follows the Introduction. The Key Terms of the chapter are listed, and brief definitions are given for each term. The important formulas of the chapter are also listed along with a brief description of the notation used in the chapter. An important part of the philosophy of the study guide is that the user will become very involved. It is hoped that you will take time on your own, and if possible spend time in your study group, discussing the definitions, formulas, and notation.
The next section of the study guide is a list of Hot Spots. The Hot Spots, the major features of the study guide, focus on the statistically complex areas of each chapter. Each Hot Spot, designated with the symbol *, is keyed to a page in the study guide, and the letters C&B, representing the authors' last names, are used to indicate the related sections of General Statistics, Third Edition. You are encouraged to find other Hot Spots and use them as a focus for the discussion in your study group.
The Review section consists of the Hot Spots. It is the most important part of the study guide. Each Hot Spot discusses a problem area of statistics and includes examples, and when appropriate, sample problems with complete solutions, and sample problem-and-answer selections that provide additional drill for each problem area.
A set of ten Discussion Question follows the review section. The discussion questions focus on the statistical concepts in each chapter. They can be used as a basis for discussion in your study group or for individual reflection. You are encouraged to meet with your instructor if you have trouble answering the discussion questions.
A ten question Test follows the discussion questions in chapters 2 through 12. the test questions provide additional problems that can be used in preparatin for exams. These problems are written with minimal notation, stressing verbal statements that encourage the reader to make decisions about which formula and notation to use.
The Test Questions and Answers section is at the end of the chapter. The test questions are repeated for your conveninence, and complete solutions are given for each of the test problems.