A Dictionary of Statistics

by Graham J.G. Upton, Ian Cook

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.

Genres: Reference, Dictionaries

496 pages, Paperback

First published November 28, 2002

About the author

Graham J.G. Upton is a former professor at the University of Essex, Department of Mathematical Sciences.

Reviews

[A Mig · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dry read but what else to expect with a dictionary of statistics - It does the job well. The inclusion of the short biography of important statisticians was a nice touch.

[James Hunt · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh dear. I had high expectations of this book, but they were immediately shattered. Looking up the definition of standard deviation I find the definition,

The square root of the *variance.

Hmm.. I was expecting a little more than that. But ok, let's check the definition of variance:

It is the square of the *standard deviation.

This is simply not helpful and not what one expects from an Oxford University Press publication. And bear in mind, this fundamental error (which frankly should have been caught in the early editing phase) persists in the third edition!

[Hoang Cuong · Rating 5 out of 5]

While it could be a pretty dry book for starters/newcomers in Statistics (after all, no one wants to read from the beginning to the end of a dictionary), it's really convenient to search, understand statistical concepts with clear examples and definition. Highly recommended for people with intermediate/advanced skills in Statistics.

Note: another recommended book with this dictionary is The Art of Statistics: How to Learn from Data from David Spiegelhalter.

[James Piper]

For the serious stats folks.

[Bhavani Shankar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life saviour of data analysts.