A Dictionary of Statistics (Oxford Quick Reference)

By Ian Cook, Graham Upton, Graham J.G. Upton

Book Overview

This wide-ranging, 100% jargon-free dictionary contains over 2,000 entries on all aspects of statistics, including terms used in computing, mathematics, and probability, as well as biographical information on over 200 key figures in the field, and coverage of statistical journals and societies. Embracing the whole multi-disciplinary spectrum of this complex subject, this superb reference presents information in a clear and practical manner and will prove invaluable for students and professionals from a wide range of disciplines, including economics, politics, market research, medicine, psychology, pharmaceuticals, and mathematics. This revised edition displays recommended web links for many entries, accessible via the Dictionary of Statistics website, which will be regularly updated to ensure the links are fully current, as well as provide helpful additional information. The entries are generously illustrated with useful figures and diagrams, and include worked examples where applicable. Appendices include a historical calendar of important statistical events, lists of statistical and mathematical notation, and statistical tables. Fully updated and revised, The Dictionary of Statistics is an indispensable work of reference for students and professionals in fields related to statistics, and a clear introduction to the subject for the general reader.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0199541450
• ISBN13: 9780199541454
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 0.76 lbs.
• Dimensions: 5.0" x 1.1" x 7.6"

Customer Reviews

accessible dictionary of terms and famous statisticians, excellent reference book

Two English statisticians have compiled this list of terms, abbreviations, famous probabilists and statisticians that is accessible to experts, beginners and practitioners in all fields that use statistical methods and probability. It is very current and competitive with other dictionaries on this topic including the one that Cambidge University Press puts out. A nice feature of the handy paperback book is its low price. Published in 2002 it is the most current dictionary of its type and includes terms from computational statistics and operations research. So you will find terms like simplex methods and figures from operations research like George Dantzig in addition to famous statisticians such as R. A. Fisher and probabilists like Markov and Kolmogorov. It also contains many names of statistical societies, software packages and professional journals I find it to be a handy reference and I own two copies.

Very Well Done

Since this statistics dictionary is only middling in size, I expected to not always find the word I was looking for. But it has not failed me yet. Not only have Upton & Cook been very judicious in their choice of words, but their explanations are consistently clear and have illustrations when needed. For an undergrad who is going beyond a first-year course in statistics, this is the dictionary to get.

Usually I don't buy statistic books in a library

I browse quite a lot though, usually ending up not finding anything worth buying. However this book offered the right amount of exhaustivity and technicalities, suitable for a businessman like myself. It also contains interesting material on the history of statistics. On some occasions, I would have appreciated to have more mathematical details, e.g. re entries related to regression.

accessible dictionary of terms and famous statisticians

Two English statisticians have compiled this list of terms, abbreviations, famous probabilists and statisticians that is accessible to experts, beginners and practitioners in all fields that use statistical methods and probability. It is very current and competitive with other dictionaries on this topic including the one that Cambidge University Press puts out. A nice feature of the handy paperback book is its low price. Published in 2002 it is the most current dictionary of its type and includes terms from computational statistics and operations research. So you will find terms like simplex methods and figures from operations research like George Dantzig in addition to famous statisticians such as R. A. Fisher and probabilists like Markov and Kolmogorov. It also contains many names of statistical societies, software packages and professional journals and their acronyms.