When you have univariate data, that is, a single measure on a variety of units, the most common statistical graphic is a pie chart. But pie charts should not be used. Ever. When there are a lot of units, pie charts are unreadable. When there are only a few units, pie charts waste space. And research shows that, even with a moderate number of units, pie charts can distort the data (for example, using different colors leads to different estimates of the size of the wedges). Fortunately, there are better methods.
Continue reading 'Graphics for univariate data – Pie is delicious but not nutritious'»
There are many books that teach you to use SAS or that teach you to use R. There is at least one book that teaches R to people who know SAS or SPSS (R for SAS and SPSS users by Robert Muenchen, and it’s very good).
Continue reading 'Book review: SAS and R by Ken Kleinman and Nicholas J. Horton'»
Strange Curves, Counting Rabbits and other Mathematical Explorations is an excellent popular math book for the right audience. I had a lot of fun reading it, and will probably re-read at some point.
What is the audience for Strange Curves, Counting Rabbits and other Mathematical Explorations?
This is a book of recreational mathematics, but it is relatively serious. Several of the chapters have some calculus, one has a bit of simple matrix algebra. So, if you are reading this on your own, it’s probably best if you had at least one course in calculus at some point – even if you don’t remember it very well. So, that’s one audience. Continue reading 'Book Review: Strange Curves, Counting Rabbits, and other Mathematical Explorations'»
Today, I’ll look at how to make and evaluate a good statistical argument. I’m going to base this on the absolutely wonderful book: Statistics as Principled Argument by Robert Abelson.
It’s an easy read, and I urge those interested in this stuff to go buy a copy.
The book makes the point of the title: Statistics should be presented as part of a principled argument. You are trying to make a case, and your argument will be better if it meets certain criteria; but which criteria are the right ones? Continue reading 'Book Review: Statistics as Principled Argument by Robert Abelson'»
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