CHAPTER 3 Getting Statistical: A Short Review of Basic Statistics 29

Chapter 3

Getting Statistical:

A Short Review of

Basic Statistics

T

his chapter provides an overview of basic concepts often taught in a one-

term introductory statistics course. These concepts form a conceptual

framework for the topics that we cover in greater depth throughout this

book. Here, you get the scoop on probability, randomness, populations, samples,

statistical inference, hypothesis testing, and nonparametric statistics.

Note: We only introduce the concepts here. They’re covered in much greater depth

in Statistics For Dummies and Statistics II For Dummies, both written by Deborah

J. Rumsey, PhD, and published by Wiley. Before you proceed, you may want to

skim through this chapter to review the topics we cover so you can fill any gaps in

your knowledge you may need in order to understand the concepts we introduce.

IN THIS CHAPTER»

» ^{Getting a handle on probability,}

randomness, sampling, and inference»

» ^{Tackling hypothesis testing»}

» ^{Understanding nonparametric}

statistical tests