In an increasingly data-centric world, we all need to know how to read and interpret statistics. But where do we begin?
This book breaks statistical terms and concepts down in a clear, straightforward way. From understanding what data are telling you to exploring the value of good storytelling with numbers, it equips you with the information and skills you need to become statistically literate.
It also:
- Dispels misconceptions about the nature of statistics to help you avoid common traps.
- Helps you put your learning into practice with over 60 Tasks and Develop Your Skills activities.
- Draws on real-world research to demonstrate the messiness of data - and show you a path through it.
Approachable and down to earth, this guide is aimed at undergraduates across the social sciences, psychology, business and beyond who want to engage confidently with quantitative methods or statistics. It forms a reassuring aid for anyone looking to understand the foundations of statistics before their course advances, or as a refresher on key content.
Jones, Rhys Christopher: - Rhys, Professor of Statistical Literacy, is an internationally recognised educational leader with significant experience in curriculum development and curriculum theory, statistics education, and engaging students in small and large classroom settings (offline and online). He also has extensive experience of using digital literacy skills and learning analytics to enhance the student experience, using digital platforms to assess student engagement and interaction. His disciplinary background was originally in the areas of biochemistry and immunology, which later focused on his passion for building bridges to make statistics more accessible for students and teachers
Rhys is a member of the Royal Statistical Society teaching section, as well as the Education Policy Advisory Group. Both committees work on a National and international level to improve the teaching of statistics and data science in schools, universities and relevant industry sectors. He is also a trustee of the Teaching Statistics Trust and an International Statistical Institute elected member. Formerly, he worked as an Associate Dean of Education at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, at the University of Surrey. Prior to this, he was based in the Department of Statistics at the University of Auckland, which is a world leading department in the areas of statistics and statistics education.
He has a broad academic background in the areas of biology, chemistry, statistics, and education, and has held lecturing positions at institutions including Cardiff University, London Southeast College, and Birmingham City University. Over his career he has taught a variety of subjects, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, which include statistics, quantitative methods, mathematics for science, teacher training, research methods, biomedical science, nutrition and organic chemistry, health and well-being, and clinical anatomy and physiology. He has also taught a variety of science-based subjects in FE colleges, which include GCSE, BTEC, Access and A levels. His primary research contributions are in the areas of curriculum development, randomness misconceptions, and the role of context in statistics education. Rhys's research interests also focus on mathematical and statistical anxiety, helping to inform strategies to engage and motivate people in these subjects.
Rhys has developed global perspectives and methods in using active learning approaches in the teaching of statistics, to thousands of students over his career. In using these approaches, he has thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of bringing to life the teaching of statistics, across a range of disciplines and education levels (in schools and at university) across the planet. These teaching and learning activities have been incorporated throughout his books, to help engage and excite people in the art of statistical literacy, and the creation of compelling data stories.
