Statistics: Informed Decisions Using Data, 6th edition

Published by Pearson (July 23, 2020) © 2021

  • Michael Sullivan Joliet Junior College

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For 1- or 2-semester courses in Introductory Statistics.

Tools to see the bigger picture and make informed choices

Packed with ideas and strategies that work in today's classroom, Statistics: Informed Decisions Using Data embodies the teaching experience of Mike Sullivan III. His practical emphasis shows that statistics is connected not only to concepts, but to the world at large.

The 6th Edition ensures that all features follow the Guidelines for Assessment and Instruction in Statistics Education (GAISE) for the introductory course. It continues to evolve with the goal of providing clear, readable explanations, while challenging students to learn how to think conceptually about statistics.

Hallmark features of this title

  • Putting It Together connects concepts from different chapters to show statistics as a whole, rather than a series of disconnected procedures.
  • Making an Informed Decision chapter openers pose a question and present the statistical concept needed for decision-making.
  • Case Studies conclude each chapter to help students apply their knowledge.
  • Preparing for this Section quizzes verify that students have the knowledge needed for the next section, with page numbers for quick reference.
  • Retain Your Knowledge problems help students recall skills learned earlier in the course.
  • Big Data Problems, marked with an icon, let students analyze data sets with more than 50 observations covering tens of thousands of observations with thousands of variables.

New and updated features of this title

  • Additional larger, more complex data sets support modern data analysis.
  • New Threaded Tornado Problems throughout present a single large data set that measures variables on all tornadoes that struck the United States in 2017. Students learn techniques while using the same data set, showing how data can be manipulated to accomplish various tasks.
  • Over 350 new and updated exercises: Many focus more on explaining results than on computation, and require students to understand pitfalls in faulty statistical analysis. Multiple types of exercises (Vocabulary and Skill Building, Applying the Concepts, Explaining the Concepts) at the end of sections and chapters progress in difficulty level.
  • Over 100 new and updated examples include Step-by-Step annotated examples that guide students in 3 steps: Problem, Approach, Solution. Solutions demonstrate both manual and technology methods where applicable.
  • Updated video program: new lightboard videos featuring the author develop statistical concepts. New and revised animated videos explain concepts or tie material learned earlier in the course with the upcoming chapter or section.
  • New author-specific applets can be used in the classroom, asking students to manipulate data using technology.

Features of MyLab Statistics for the 6th Edition

  • Updated Integrated Review offers corequisite support or can be used to get underprepared students up to speed. It providesembedded, personalized review of prerequisite topics within relevant chapters. All assignments are premade and editable for instructors to assign.
  • Skills Check assignments check each student's understanding of skills required in the following chapter. For any identified skills gaps, a personalized review homework is populated.
  • Videos, a full Integrated Review eText, and new Integrated Review worksheets are available to help students understand the objectives they missed on the Skills Check quiz. The Integrated Review eText includes review from Sullivan's developmental math series.
  • New Personal Inventory Assessments promote self-reflection and engagement, and include topics such as a Stress Management Assessment and Time Management Assessment.
  • New and updated MyLab problems written by the author utilize real data that is resampled from a larger data set. New, assignable applet exercises encourage students to explore statistical concepts.
  • StatCrunch Projects enable students to explore data beyond the classroom. In each, students analyze a large data set in StatCrunch and answer corresponding assignable questions for immediate feedback.
  • Resources for Success
  • Applications Index

I. GETTING THE INFORMATION YOU NEED

  1. Data Collection
    • 1.1 Introduction to the Practice of Statistics
    • 1.2 Observational Studies versus Designed Experiments
    • 1.3 Simple Random Sampling
    • 1.4 Other Effective Sampling Methods
    • 1.5 Bias in Sampling
    • 1.6 The Design of Experiments
    • Chapter 1 Review
    • Chapter Test
    • Making an Informed Decision: What College Should I Attend?
    • Case Study: Chrysalises for Cash

II. DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS

  1. Organizing and Summarizing Data
    • 2.1 Organizing Qualitative Data
    • 2.2 Organizing Quantitative Data: The Popular Displays
    • 2.3 Additional Displays of Quantitative Data
    • 2.4 Graphical Misrepresentations of Data
    • Chapter 2 Review
    • Chapter Test
    • Making an Informed Decision: Tables or Graphs?
    • Case Study: The Day the Sky Roared
  2. Numerically Summarizing Data
    • 3.1 Measures of Central Tendency
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About our author

With training in mathematics, statistics and economics, Mike Sullivan, III has a varied teaching background that includes 15 years of instruction in both high school- and college-level mathematics. He is currently a full-time professor of mathematics and statistics at Joliet Junior College. Mike has numerous textbooks in publication in addition to his Introductory Statistics Series, including a Developmental Math series and a Precalculus series which he writes with his father, Michael Sullivan.  

Mike built this book in the classroom using feedback from his students. He is well aware of the challenges of students taking an introductory statistics course. His goal is for students to be more informed interpreters of data, so they will become better decision makers with stronger critical-thinking skills. When not in the classroom or writing, Mike enjoys spending time with his children Michael, Kevin and Marissa, and playing golf.

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