The Statistical Imagination: Elementary Statistics for the Social Sciences
Ritchey, Ferris Joseph. 2008. The Statistical Imagination: Elementary Statistics for the Social Sciences. 2nd ed. Boston: McGraw Hill.
Rating:
10
Summary:
This is an introductory statistics textbook for sociology students. Perhaps uniquely, rather than begin straightaway with statistical calculations, this text begins with the theory underlying statistical analysis. In fact, a full third of the text is made up of statistical theory and basic explanations of statistical concepts.
The statistical calculations covered in the text range from basic t-tests to ordinary least squares regression (single IV variable). Each statistical test includes lengthy explanations along with an example calculation. In addition to the explanations, the book has questions and exercises at the end of each chapter as it is, of course, an introductory textbook for college students.
Review:
This is by far the clearest explanation of statistical theory (probability testing) that I have read. I would highly recommend it for basic statistical courses. It presents the tests and theory well enough that this could even work for an introductory statistical text for high school students.
There are two minor problems with the text. First, I wish it covered multiple regression in addition to single independent variable regression as the explanations in this text are very clear and I can only assume that it would help clarify the topic for those who must perform these tests (which are becoming increasingly common). Second, it is often the case that the author begins a chapter with one example then switches to another example for the second half of the chapter. While I can understand the utility in such an approach (it provides multiple examples for a single type of statistical analysis), it occasionally becomes confusing. Other than these two remarkably minor problems, the text is superb.
Two features of this book really stand out. First, the book specifically lays out when you should use a particular test. This element of the book is worth the price alone. The second element that stands out is the tone the author takes; a tone that has two elements: First, he is funny and tries his best to integrate wit and humor into a statistical text (like admitting to having been struck by lightning; p. 269). The second tone is a positive view of scientific skepticism that pervades the entire text. The author clearly lays out the value of skeptical thinking (see p. 16).
Overall, I highly recommend this text for introductory statistics courses. It is easy to understand yet does not simplify the concepts and analysis. Perhaps there are other introductory texts that do as good of a job, but I have yet to see one that comes close.