Collaborative Statistics

by Barbara Illowsky, Susan Dean

Collaborative Stastistics is intended for introductory statistics courses being taken by students at two- and four-year colleges who are majoring in fields other than math or engineering. Intermediate algebra is the only prerequisite. The book focuses on applications of statistical knowledge rather than the theory behind it. Barbara Illowsky and Susan Dean are professors of mathematics and statistics at De Anza College in Cupertino, CA. They present nationally on integrating technology, distance learning, collaborative learning, and multiculturalism into the elementary statistics classroom.

612 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I used this for an online-only course. Big upside is that it was free, as well as comprehensive and oriented to practical use. Downside is that, while I didn't find the instruction quite as unhelpful as the other reviewer, the layout leaves something to be desired. User interface is important for me in a math-based course and the material is arranged so densely that it was hard to parse. E.g. terms and variables, etc. were described in paragraph form where a simple bullet point sentence and/or equation might have worked better. But it's a 728-page tome as it is, so perhaps we can't have everything.

[Mel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not a huge fan of this book. I am using it for a distance learning class, and it doesn't explain things clearly enough, in my opinion, for one to be able to teach themselves the material adequately enough to have a solid understanding. However, if you already have a good base knowledge, this may be a better book for you than it was for me. Also, the book is available for free online, including free pdf and doc files for all homework and practice material, so that is a big plus.