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The Art of Statistics: How to Learn from Data First Edition

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 3,724 ratings


In this "important and comprehensive" guide to statistical thinking (New Yorker), discover how data literacy is changing the world and gives you a better understanding of life’s biggest problems.  

 

Statistics are everywhere, as integral to science as they are to business, and in the popular media hundreds of times a day. In this age of big data, a basic grasp of statistical literacy is more important than ever if we want to separate the fact from the fiction, the ostentatious embellishments from the raw evidence -- and even more so if we hope to participate in the future, rather than being simple bystanders.

 

In
The Art of Statistics, world-renowned statistician David Spiegelhalter shows readers how to derive knowledge from raw data by focusing on the concepts and connections behind the math. Drawing on real world examples to introduce complex issues, he shows us how statistics can help us determine the luckiest passenger on the Titanic, whether a notorious serial killer could have been caught earlier, and if screening for ovarian cancer is beneficial. The Art of Statistics not only shows us how mathematicians have used statistical science to solve these problems -- it teaches us how we too can think like statisticians. We learn how to clarify our questions, assumptions, and expectations when approaching a problem, and -- perhaps even more importantly -- we learn how to responsibly interpret the answers we receive.

 

Combining the incomparable insight of an expert with the playful enthusiasm of an aficionado,
The Art of Statistics is the definitive guide to stats that every modern person needs.
Popular Highlights in this book

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An important and comprehensive new book"―Hannah Fry, The New Yorker

"David Spiegelhalter's
The Art of Statistics 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 skepticism."―Evelyn Lamb, Nature

"The Art of Statistics is alight with Spiegelhalter's enthusiasm .... It leaves readers with a better handle on the ins and outs of data analysis, as well as a heightened awareness that, as Spiegelhalter writes, "Numbers may appear to be cold, hard facts, but ... they need to be treated with delicacy." Sciencenews

"A book that crams in so much statistical information and nonetheless remains lucid and readable is highly improbable, and yet here it is. In an age of scientific clickbait, 'big data' and personalised medicine, this is a book that nearly everyone would benefit from reading"―
Stuart Ritchie, The Spectator

"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"―
The Evening Standard (UK)

"What David Spiegelhalter does here is provide a very thorough introductory grounding in statistics without making use of mathematical formulae. And it's remarkable. Spiegelhalter is warm and encouraging -- it's a genuinely enjoyable read.... This book should be required reading for all politicians, journalists, medics and anyone who tries to influence people (or is influenced) by statistics. A tour de force."―
Popular Science

"Do you trust headlines telling you...that bacon, ham and sausages carry the same cancer risk as cigarettes? No, nor do I. That is why we need a book like this that explains how such implausible nonsense arises in the first place. Written by a master of the subject...this book tells us to examine our assumptions. Bravo."―
Standpoint

"Spiegelhalter goes beyond debunking numerical nonsense to deliver a largely mathematics-free but often formidable education on the vocabulary and techniques of statistical science.... An admirable corrective to fake news and sloppy thinking."―
Kirkus

"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."―
Financial Times

"Like the fictional investigator Sherlock Holmes, Spiegelhalter takes readers on a trail to challenge methodology and stats thrown at us by the media and others. But where other authors have attempted this and failed, he is inventive and clever in picking the right examples that spark the reader's interest to become active on their own."―
Engineering & Technology

"What David Spiegelhalter does here is provide a very thorough introductory grounding in statistics without making use of mathematical formulae. And it's remarkable. Spiegelhalter is warm and encouraging -- it's a genuinely enjoyable read.... This book should be required reading for all politicians, journalists, medics and anyone who tries to influence people (or is influenced) by statistics. A tour de force."―
Pop Science Books

"In this wonderfully accessible introduction to modern statistics, David Spiegelhalter has created a worthy successor to classics such as Mooney's
Facts from Figures. Using many real examples, he introduces the methods and underlying concepts, showing the power and elegance of statistics for gaining understanding and for informing decision-making."―David J. Hand, author of The Improbability Principle

"David Spiegelhalter combines clarity of thinking with superb communication skills and a wealth of experience of applying statistics to everyday problems. The result is
The Art of Statistics, a book that manages to be enjoyable as well as informative: an engaging introduction for the lay person who wants to gain a better understanding of statistics. Even those with expertise in statistics will find much within these pages to stimulate the mind and cast new light on familiar topics. A real tour de force which deserves to be widely read."―Dorothy Bishop, professor of developmental neuropsychology and Wellcome Trust Principal Research Fellow in the Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford

"If I had to trust just one person to interrogate statistical data, I'd trust David Spiegelhalter. He is a master of the art. Here, he shows us how it's done. The result is brilliant; nothing short of an essential guide to finding things out -- delivered through a series of detective-like investigations of specific examples ranging from sexual behavior to murder. The technical essentials are also all here: from averages to infographics, algorithms and Bayesian statistics - both their power and their limitations. All this makes
The Art of Statistics a first call for all those setting out on a career or study that involves working with data. But beyond that, it's self-help for anyone with a serious desire to become a clued-up citizen in a world of numbers. If you want pat answers, or meat for your prejudices, go elsewhere. But if you want to develop the skills to see the world as it is, and to tell it how it is -- honestly and seriously -- this is the book."―Michael Blastland, co-author of The Tiger That Isn't: Seeing Through a World of Numbers

"David Spiegelhalter is probably the greatest living statistical communicator; more than that, he's one of the great communicators in any field. This marvelous book will transform your relationship with the numbers that swirl all around us. Read it and learn. I did."―
Tim Harford, author of The Undercover Economist


"Some (including Einstein) define genius as the art of taking something complex and making it simple. In this equation-free, all-encompassing, and totally-understandable-by-anyone introduction to the ideas, tools, and practice of statistics, Spiegelhalter meets that definition. This book is perfect for anyone who has wanted to learn statistics but felt overwhelmed by complicated mathematical equations."―
Scott Page, author of The Model Thinker

About the Author

David Spiegelhalter is a British statistician and Chair of the Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Communication in the Statistical Laboratory at the University of Cambridge. He was also elected as President of the Royal Statistical Society for 2017-18. In addition to presenting documentaries on BBC4, he has appeared on Infinite Monkey Cage, BBC Horizon, and the Life Scientific, and he has been a guest columnist in the Times, Guardian, and New Scientist. Spiegelhalter was knighted for his services to statistics in 2014. He lives in Cambridge, UK.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Basic Books; First Edition (September 3, 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 448 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1541618513
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1541618510
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.45 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.45 x 1.75 x 9.55 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 3,724 ratings

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4.6 out of 5 stars
3,724 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book provides an intuitive overview of statistics. They appreciate the clear writing style and engaging examples. The author's ability to write and tell stories in a clear way is remarkable. The book arrives brand new and in good condition, with a glossary for further exploration.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

29 customers mention "Knowledge level"26 positive3 negative

Customers find the book provides an intuitive overview of statistics for the general public. It develops topics concisely with great examples, making it a good reference when you need a refresher. The book covers the usual textbook basics like summary statistics, graphics, and randomization, but also presents interesting real-life examples that make you think. Overall, customers find the book a useful resource that serves as a good introduction to statistical concepts.

"...And these basics are foundational. They underlie so many aspects of modern analytics--- and even modern AI-based systems ultimately end up using..." Read more

"...In part it treats the usual textbook basics -- summary statistics, graphics, randomized controlled experiments, sampling, regression, statistical..." Read more

"The book was well presented, brand new despite being advertised as used." Read more

"...Almost easy to understand but not that easy... Some point require more elaboration, for example in chapter 10, page 352: "..." Read more

7 customers mention "Writing style"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style clear and engaging. They appreciate the author's ability to write and tell stories in a way that is accessible to a wide audience. The book has a glossary that provides additional context.

"...Prof Spiegelhalter has a remarkable ability to write and tell stories in clear and simple ways that get you to understand the essence of the..." Read more

"He writes in a style that a relative newcomer to the discipline can understand, but not so simply that people with more advanced knowledge can't..." Read more

"Amazingly clear and deep. Really enjoyable and easy to follow. Highly recommended for beginners or experts." Read more

"...Clearly written for a broad audience with plentiful case study examples of how interesting questions can be addressed using statistics...." Read more

3 customers mention "Brand new"3 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the book's condition. They say it's new, as advertised.

"The book was well presented, brand new despite being advertised as used." Read more

"The book comes in thick and fresh new" Read more

"It arrived a week sooner and the book was brand new. Really good experience." Read more

3 customers mention "Material quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's quality. They say it's thick and new, exactly what they need for class.

"Eventually my book arrived in a good condition. Exactly what I needed for my class." Read more

"The book comes in thick and fresh new" Read more

"love the material..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2022
    I very much enjoyed reading this book- cover to cover- the 380 pages of content- and then the additional glossary which in itself is a great resource. This book is not the "nuts and bolts" of how you do the standard statistical tests. This book assumes you have looked at other resources for the formulas.

    What this book does better than ANYTHING I have ever come across (and I have come across a lot of books on statistics and analytics over the years) is to get you to understand-really understand-- the key concepts, principles, assumptions and even mindsets that underlie the use of the basic-- and foundational-- statistical concepts.

    Prof Spiegelhalter has a remarkable ability to write and tell stories in clear and simple ways that get you to understand the essence of the principles. He walks you through many real and relevant examples so you understand the essentials of the underlying math models and mental models, and in parallel, that you also understand common mistakes and misconceptions.
    Some of you might say-- why do I need to visit-- or more likely- revisit these basic-- and ubiquitously applied- principles and methods? After all, isn't this becoming increasingly automated? Can't I just "trust" the outputs of my AI-enabled analytic systems?

    Exactly because the use of statistics has become so widespread, so deeply embedded in so many analytics and prediction systems-- it could never be more important than now to understand why people (and the models and systems they design) SO OFTEN misunderstand and misapply the basics. And these basics are foundational. They underlie so many aspects of modern analytics--- and even modern AI-based systems ultimately end up using these basics.

    All I can say is--- even though I have a MSc in Stats from Carnegie Mellon (1981), and have been involved with the use of data, statistics, analytics, and AI applications for decades-- I found Prof Spiegelhalter's way of walking a reader through the essentials of statistical thinking to be a joy to read. It has tremendously helped me to clarify my own understanding and mental models per statistical basics.

    This book truly works for people at ANY level. If you are just beginning with statistics- and you know the formulas but you still don't have the intuitions and insights- please read this book.

    If you work with stats on a regular basis--- EITHER because you are part of a team that uses statistical methods in your work products--- OR--- you regularly REVIEW work products that provide the results of analytic models-- You will find this book invaluable.

    And if you have to get other people to understand how to apply and how to NOT misapply basic statistical principles- this book is a hugely useful resource.
    Thank you Prof Spiegelhalter for producing this work. It is so easy to read. So easy to understand. And at the same time, so insightful, and so thoughtful-- in so many practical ways.
    33 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2020
    Many books have sought to explain basic concepts of statistics with minimal mathematics, but this book will surely be the "gold standard" for the 2020s. It combines careful exposition with an impressive collection of interesting real data examples. In part it treats the usual textbook basics -- summary statistics, graphics, randomized controlled experiments, sampling, regression, statistical significance, Bayes. Then modern ideas such as algorithmic prediction (and one of my personal favorites, Brier scores). It puts substantial emphasis on "when things can go wrong" and "how we can do statistics better" (both chapter titles) and on journalistic communication of statistical ideas.

    This book should be a required accompaniment to a traditional math-oriented first college course.

    [The 448 pages in the hardback version is rather misleading -- there are few words per page]
    21 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2024
    The book was well presented, brand new despite being advertised as used.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2024
    Eventually my book arrived in a good condition. Exactly what I needed for my class.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2024
    The book comes in thick and fresh new
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2020
    He writes in a style that a relative newcomer to the discipline can understand, but not so simply that people with more advanced knowledge can't appreciate the book. I recommended it to a new colleague at work who wanted to know more about "data science". She has a programming background, but is thinking of moving in this direction. I think the book will help her (and people in a similar position) to figure out whether they are a good fit for this "new field" of data science or not.

    Plus, it will help a lay audience to interpret the huge amount of statistical information that is communicated every day, and hopefully separate out the wheat from the chaff.
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2020
    Quite enjoyable and not so dry to read for a statistical book. Almost easy to understand but not that easy...

    Some point require more elaboration, for example in chapter 10, page 352:
    "the fact that this 95% interval include 0 is logically equivalent to the point estimate (-3000) being less than 2 standard errors from 0, meaning the change is not significantly different from 0"

    - i'm totally lost here, i failed understand what the author trying to tell. If there is any material in previous chapter that could help in understanding this sentence, the author should do some kind of revision before dive in. Otherwise, further elaboration is needed.

    "A two sided P-value is less than 0.05 if the 95% confidence interval does not include the null hypothesis (generally 0)" - Seem like a lot of info, but at the same time abstracted in statistical language. Totally lost. can use a bit more explanation in layman term about this "p-Value" in the context of "two sided", "95% confidence interval", "null hypothesis" combination of terminology. I am no total layman in statistic but these term and definition always confuses me, especially now it comes together

    Regards
    14 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Cesar Sarmiento
    5.0 out of 5 stars Moría por leerlo!🤩
    Reviewed in Mexico on May 26, 2024
    Fue rápido el envío y llego en perfectas condiciónes!
    Customer image
    Cesar Sarmiento
    5.0 out of 5 stars Moría por leerlo!🤩
    Reviewed in Mexico on May 26, 2024
    Fue rápido el envío y llego en perfectas condiciónes!
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    Customer image
    Customer image
  • Luana L.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Conteúdo excelente para iniciantes
    Reviewed in Brazil on November 21, 2022
    A qualidade da capa e das folhas deixam a desejar mas não compromete a leitura. O tamanho da fonte é grande, o que é perfeito, e o tamanho das imagens é ótimo. Quanto ao conteúdo, maravilhoso para quem está iniciando na área de Data science e quer ter uma noção de estatística. A teoria do livro é leve mas possui glossário com as equações pra quem quiser se aprofundar.
  • Shakeel Ahmad
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good book for Statistics
    Reviewed in India on November 29, 2024
    Good book for Statistics
  • Geeky McGeekson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Decent easy read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 29, 2024
    This is a very easy read even for somebody like me that usually doesn't really enjoy reading that much, in fact I'd had this on my list of things to read for over 2 years before I finally got around to buying it and taking it on holiday, should have read it sooner.

    Lots in this to just make you think a bit more of how you use and importantly analyse data. Lots of very interesting real life stories and good examples of what not to do. Well worth a read, I learned a lot and it definitely made me think a bit more about the data work I do day to day.

    Can 100% recommend.
  • Damian Keating
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fab
    Reviewed in Sweden on February 17, 2023
    No nonsence