A Dictionary of Statistics (Oxford Quick Reference)

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

Book Overview

This wide-ranging, jargon-free dictionary contains over 1,700 entries on all aspects of statistics including terms used in computing, mathematics, operational research, and probability, as well as biographical information on over 200 key figures in the field, and coverage of statistical journals and societies. It embraces the whole multi-disciplinary spectrum of this complex subject. The entries are generously illustrated with useful figures and diagrams, and include previously worked examples where applicable, which place them in a practical context. Appendices include a historical calendar of important statistical events, and tables of statistical and mathematical notations.
Fully updated, the Dictionary of Statistics contains over 30 biographies as well as internet links that point to useful sites for further information and study and many additional illustrative examples that clarify terms by showing them in use.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0198614314
• ISBN13: 9780198614319
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 496 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 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.