Choosing and Using Statistics: A Biologist's Guide

By Calvin Dytham

Book Overview

Choosing and Using Statistics remains an invaluable guide for students using a computer package to analyse data from research projects and practical class work. The text takes a pragmatic approach to statistics with a strong focus on what is actually needed. There are chapters giving useful advice on the basics of statistics and guidance on the presentation of data. The book is built around a key to selecting the correct statistical test and then gives clear guidance on how to carry out the test and interpret the output from four commonly used computer packages: SPSS, Minitab, Excel, and (new to this edition) the free program, R. Only the basics of formal statistics are described and the emphasis is on jargon-free English but any unfamiliar words can be looked up in the extensive glossary. This new 3rd edition of Choosing and Using Statistics is a must for all students who use a computer package to apply statistics in practical and project work. Features new to this edition: Now features information on using the popular free program, R Uses a simple key and flow chart to help you choose the right statistical test Aimed at students using statistics for projects and in practical classes Includes an extensive glossary and key to symbols to explain any statistical jargon No previous knowledge of statistics is assumed

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1405198397
• ISBN13: 9781405198394
• Release Date: January 2011
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.7" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

The most practical statistics book I have ever used.

The author provides very clear and easy to follow explanations of the type of tests used and when they should be used. Furthermore, he provides step by step instructions for using the tests in SPSS, minitab, and excel, something that few other books do.

Relief for those who don't speak in equations

This is a great, practical book for ecological and evolutionary researchers. Dytham walks you through the choosing and using of different common statistical applications. If you can't find it in here, you probably have an advanced question that requires a mathematical answer, in which case it's time to dust off that heavy textbook. For most questions, this will save you time and frustration.

How to make statistics clear: a book to be ready-to-go

After too many books with a useless wealth of equations to leave you in a worse confusion here is finally a book to give you hints and tools to tackle the problem. Good coverage of both parametric and less known non-parametric statistics, modern approach through coverage of popular packages, keys to choose the various tests and lots of examples and hints for the experimental design. Generally a complete book which manages to cover with a sensible balance from the basics to more complicated designs for ANOVA evaluations.