Book Description

Marcello Pagano and Kimberlee Gauvreau's PRINCIPLES OF BIOSTATISTICS, Second Edition is a concepts-based introduction to statistical procedures that prepares public health, medical, and life sciences students to conduct and evaluate research. With an engaging writing style and helpful graphics, the emphasis is on concepts over formulas or rote memorization. Throughout the book, the authors use practical, interesting examples with real data to bring the material to life. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Better than nothing...
This book helped me (a non-biostat person) pass a advanced biostats class. It was a good suppliment to a fast-paced course, as it gives the same info, but somewhat easier format.

On the other hand, it occasionally skipped steps and made confusing leaps.

So it was better than nothing.

another good introductory biostatistics book
Like Rosner's book by the same publisher, this text is an introductory text by Harvard professors who teach medical students. It seems to be in competition with Rosner's book which makes me wonder why the same publisher is publishing them both. The style is different but the market and level of the two books seem to be the same. Both texts include diskettes with data for PCs. Both books are well written and cover mostly the same topics. The Pagano text seems to go into a little more detail on contingency tables and survival analysis. Both contain lists of valuable references. ... Read more

Book Description

This introductory text provides students with a conceptual understanding of basic statistical procedures, as well as the computational skills needed to complete them. The clear presentation, accessible language, and step-by-step instruction make it easy for students from a variety of social science disciplines to grasp the material. The scenarios presented in chapter exercises span the curriculum, from political science to marketing, so that students make a connection between their own area of interest and the study of statistics.

Unique coverage focuses on concepts critical to understanding current statistical research such as power and sample size, multiple comparison tests, multiple regression, and analysis of covariance. Additional SPSS coverage throughout the text includes computer printouts and expanded discussion of their contents in interpreting the results of sample exercises.

Book Description

Chris Spatz's best-selling statistics text relies on examples from the social and behavioral sciences, education, nursing/allied health, and business fields--as well as examples from everyday life--to teach students statistical reasoning and problem solving. Praised for his clear explanations, Spatz shows students how to start with a data set, identify the questions it poses, determine and carry out statistical procedures, and using plain English, tell the story the data reveal. A free CD packaged with the book provides objective questions and answers, additional problems and answers, and portals to websites with additional help. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A student-friendly book to help you succeed in statistics!
Tales of Distribution is fun, well written and easy to read. Tales of Distribution is a college textbook worth reading if you need to put statistics at your command! Spats'z style is helpful to the reader and down to earth. This is a heavy-duty treatment of the topic; however, interesting examples of how to use statistics in day-to-day life makes this topic come alive. If you read this book, you will never be intimidated by statistics in your lifetime.

The author's discussion of "Rationale of ANOVA" and "Hypothesis Testing" is excellent. Frequent use of algebraic explanation is joined with graphic explanations to help the reader visualize the author's points. "Work Problems" at the end of each chapter show imagination and creativity. The author seems to have a sincere desire to help the reader at every turn along their journey of statistical discovery. The author also seems to have privilege insight into the reader's mind. He anticipates what the reader is thinking, and serves up a helping of practical advice at the exact perfect moment.

As a market-research practitioner, I found the book to be very refreshing and enjoyable to read. I read it on my summer vacation! My daughter purchased the book as the required text for her statistics class at UCLA. At the end of her class she had planned to sell the book back to the UCLA bookstore. After looking at the book for 60 seconds, I said to her "No, don't sell this book. This is great book. Keep it." To which she replied; "But Dad, I need the money. You can keep it if you pay me for it." To which I replied; "Haven't I paid for this book once already? If I pay you for it now, that would be the second time I bought the same book." ... Read more

Book Description

Robert J. Lang, one of the world's foremost origami artists and scientists, presents the never-before-described mathematical and geometric principles that allow anyone to design original origami, something once restricted to an elite few. From the theoretical underpinnings to detailed step-by-step folding sequences, this book takes a modern look at the heart of the centuries-old art of origami.

Origami novices will appreciate the organization of the book, which begins with easy techniques and progresses to deep and powerful tools for design, all based on simple, intuitive concepts like grafting, circle packing, and assembly of tiles.

Both novices and aficionados will find detailed, step-by-step instructions for previously unpublished models, including the famous "Black Forest Cuckoo Clock." ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Insightful and Inspiring
I approached this book with a beginner/intermediate appreciation of origami, having dabbled in basic and moderately difficult forms occasionally through the years. I haven't seen any of the reviews yet highlight the greatest asset of this book; that it teaches you to gain an insightful eye into how models are constructed from the elementary bases. Most importantly, it liberates the casual origami hobbyist from merely following instructions, and leaves the reader equipped with the folding methods and techniques to create his own models.

The unique aspect of the book's organization is that each folding technique is taught in a "top-down" hierarchy, beginning with the sheet of paper, and highlighting how "limbs" and "extensions" evolve from the folds. The more intricate methods are then re-illustrated, in the other direction, starting with the finished form, and reverse engineering how desired traits impact the pattern of creases on the unfolded piece of paper. This approach suites people of all learning disciplines, from those who prefer to see their models evolve as they are folded, to those who begin with an image of the final creation, and work backwards.

Several ingenious techniques are described for understanding the underpinning structure of a model, including an analysis of the creases made on the unfolded paper, how cutting and grafting can prove whether desired models are technically feasible, and how angles and edges limit the number of extended "limbs" that can be made. All of this is described in a straight-forward and colloquial prose, supplemented with an engaging historical account of the evolution of origami into a scientific discipline.

All told, this book is a masterpiece in aesthetic/scientific literature, which truly engages and inspires the reader. I highly recommend this book for artists and engineers alike, and anyone seeking to understand how beauty and complexity emerges from simplicity.

This is how every instructional book should be written
Just two days ago, I had a very casual interest in origami. The primary reason being that I have no patience to simply follow instructions folding paper, and not seeing where all this paper folding is leading to till the last 1-2 steps. And, even then, why the precise sequence of folds has to be followed doesn't become clearer when you have completed your figure.

But, after getting this book, my entire perspective on origami has been drastically changed. For the first time, I have seen an Origami book which actually de-assembles the steps, and talks about the design in a top-down approach, focussing on the major folds/creases, and the general concepts and principles you need to create a figure of your own from scratch.

Despite the intimidating size of this book, you will very quickly get a sense of what all the folds are doing, and most importantly, start creating your own origami designs.

The origami designs in this book will amaze you - a heart with an arrow piercing it, a toy train, and a whole host of others which you won't believe were actually developed from a single sheet of paper without any glue or cuts.

don't be intimidated by the several pages of steps to follow to make a model. The text in each chapter gives an excellent overview and you will not feel lost in the design: in fact, you will begin to see why the creases/folds are necessary, even though you may have over 70% of the steps still to do.

Lastly, the chapter on the Tree Algorithm is outstanding. This chapter discusses a computational approach to develop an origami figure from scratch. By the time you reach this chapter, the author has done a marvellous job of putting all the design ingedients in place, so you will appreciate the advanced mathematical theory. (For me, this was the best part. But, then, I have a Ph.D. in mathematical optimization. Nonetheless, there is a wealth of material in the rest of book also.)

I only wish that other instructional books in other subjects could be as good.

Review of Origami Design Secrets
This is a fantastic book! I highly recommend it. I have been doing origami for 10 years, and this is the best book I've seen yet. This book is for advanced folders. It includes instructions for a tree frog, a couple turtles, an Alamo stallion, the Bull Moose, an African elephant, the black forest cuckoo clock, and more. It also explains a lot of techniques used to fold some of the things he made and how to figure out things for yourself. This book is worth every penny, and then some.

the summit of the origami mountain
This tome is the pinnacle of origami literature. It puts some of my more serious college textbooks to shame. Origami can now be a subject on equal ground with Calculus, Physics, Linear Algebra, etc. It has a lot of pages with a lot of text. The sheer weight of it will suprise you. It is not for young children or light reading.

Design Secrets starts off very simple and progresses nicely. I guarantee at some point during the book every folder will pass his/her knowledge and be swimming in new information. More advanced folders may skip ahead a few chapters.

The book, despite having a lot of information, is quite readable; Lang did a great job making the language very accesable.

If you are looking for new diagrams buy a different book. If you are looking to become an origami designer buy two copies. There is simply nothing out there that compares with this.

WOW, simply WOW. A must have for all origamists.
A very large and complex book, well worth the price and makes a nice coffee table attraction. Excellent in every way. The book takes many different approaches to designing, several envolving quite a bit of geometry. Even though most origami artists are not designers, they can benefit from the many unpublished diagrams, from the Song Birds to the Black Forest Cuckoo Clock. I never expected a book of this caliber to ever be published.Simply amazing. ... Read more

Book Description

A revision of the market leader, Kreyszig is known for its comprehensive coverage, careful and correct mathematics, outstanding exercises, helpful worked examples, and self-contained subject-matter parts for maximum teaching flexibility. The new edition provides invitations - not requirements - to use technology, as well as new conceptual problems, and new projects that focus on writing and working in teams. ... Read more

Reviews (59)

To Many Nice Figures and So Little Explanation.
When I started using this textbook for a graduate level engineering mathematics I thought I would "see the light" and had finally come across an author that would help me understand advanced mathematics and its application to real-world problems. Needless to say I was let down. Kreysig offers no explanation for many new and complex concepts and often leaves out helpful background (theory/proofs) necessary to have a full undestanding and skill level necessary to apply the concepts. A case in point is his handling of the Legendre Transforms/Polynomials and Sturm-Liouville Theory. Did I mention that I think it is a bad idea to cover matrices and linear algebra in differnt chapters of the book

When I took ODE/PDE in undergraduate we used the text, Advanced Engineering mathematics by O'neil and at the time I thought this book was difficult and confusing. Althought it was not filled with color figures and graphs it contained many proofs and theorems to explain the concepts. I'm starting to use this book as a reference for those concepts that aren't covered thoroughly enough by Kreysig and now appreciate the O'Neil book more and more everyday.

VERY SOUND! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
It is not unusual for those who failed to pass (or understand) their courses to look for cheap scapegoats. Some have blamed their lecturers, and some have blamed their textbooks. But I am not swayed!
Thus, despite all the negative rantings some reviewers have labelled against this "Advanced Engineering Mathematics", I will advise you to see for yourself. This book is superb! Erwin Kreyszig should be honoured with a twenty-one gun salute, for compiling this outstanding compendium.
The way this book dissected Numerical Methods, Differential Equation, and Vector Calculus, will rouse envy in many academic circles. The same applies to its unsurpassed analyses of Oscillation Matrices, Quantum Symmetries, and Linear Algebra. I wonder why all those condemnations! In fact, I will advise those complainants to go back to primary school.
As its name depicts, this text is an advanced book, and not an introductory one. Still, its author took the necessary pains in tabling an uncomplicated presentation. I will, with great pleasure, recommend it to any Engineering or Science student who needs an advanced mathematics textbook.

Good Reference Guide
This book does provide students, who have taken a first course in differential equations, a good look at Fourier Analysis, Boundary Value Problems, and partial differential equations; however, you might wish to obtain a working knowledge of linear algebra before using this book for the before-mentioned reasons - the chapters dealing with linear algebra (six and seven) are awesome for review, but horrible for the beginning student.
Other than that, the book is a good resource when it comes to the review chapters on ordinary differential equations, multivariable calculus, probability, etc...
This is a recommended book for the engineer who likes to review math on those boring summer days...

Terrible Book
Kreyszig obviously knows what he is talking about, but lacks showing it. It is hard to beleive that Mathematics book so thick has examples that miss complex steps, simply because these steps are deemed 'elementry' by Kreyszig's mathematic standards. The examples are workable, but they only take a few hours of analysing and calculating the multiple lines of mathematics he Kreyszig didn't feel like entering

Excellent
I'm Civilian Engineering and I should admit I love this book. My thesis advisor owns one and I've used it several times. This is not a book for Mathematics, it's for engineers; you'll find whatever you're looking for, but don't expect a whole theory about topics, just the essentials of them. You can find topics from Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability and so on.

I recomend this book to engineers as a consult book, you'll find quick answer to your problems. For students is a must-have which will help you really a lot. ... Read more

Book Description

This book offers a straightforward, “nuts and bolts”, introduction to statistics. The explanations are clear and simple and minimize calculations where possible. A diverse range of applications and examples are presented to make the materials appealing to a wide range of learners.The Eighth Edition features new problems, more real data based examples and exercises, and fuller integration of technology.For individuals beginning a study of statistics. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Probabilities
I have a little problem understanding the probabilities. I need somebody to help me ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Packed with diagrams that make learning easier
As a teacher of basic statistics, I am always trolling for the best book to use. However, there is a repetitive sameness to many of them. Therefore, when I encounter a new issue, it is often more an act of duty than one of interest when I examine it. Fortunately, I found this one to be impressive. The exposition is clear and there are many examples worked out in complete detail. A large set of problems is given at the end of each section and a more detailed set at the end of the chapters. These problem sets include a self-review test, mini-projects and a set of problems to be solved via a TI-83 programmable calculator or a computer using Excel or Minitab.
The characteristic that stands out on first examination are the number of pictures and diagrams used. Students at this level need quality diagrams, as their visual sense is generally far superior to their ability to perform mathematical abstractions. I am always puzzled when I open an introductory statistics book and do not see a large number of diagrams. The coverage is normal, so in that area, there is nothing to differentiate this book from any other in the field.
Sometime within the next two months I will have to make a decision regarding which book to use in statistics next academic year. While that decision is not yet final, this book is certainly on my short list from which the choice will be made. ... Read more

Book Description

This market-leading book offers a readable introduction to the statistical analysis of multivariate observations. Its overarching goal is to provide readers with the knowledge necessary to make proper interpretations and select appropriate techniques for analyzing multivariate data.Chapter topics include aspects of multivariate analysis, matrix algebra and random vectors, sample geometry and random sampling, the multivariate normal distribution, inferences about a mean vector, comparisons of several multivariate means, multivariate linear regression models, principal components, factor analysis and inference for structured covariance matrices, canonical correlation analysis, and discrimination and classification.For experimental scientists in a variety of disciplines. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A Students Review
First: I must prefix this by saying that I am majoring in the Mathematical and Computer Sciences.

This semester I decided to take a class that happened to use this text as its source. I have been extremely pleased with it: the theoretical work is excellent, the proofs are thourough, the exercises are both good and cover a broad variety of difficulties, and the tables on the CD provide excellent experience in analyzing real world data.

A couple of things to keep in mind before you purchase this book, however:

1) A good background in linear algebra and basic statistics is highly recommended and virtually necessary to interpret this book. Remembering the knowledge gleaned from "Sequences and Series" (often taught in Calculus II) will also prove useful. The text is good, but it is often nontrivial.

2) Some kind of software that does multivariate analysis (and if nothing else, will find eigenvalues and orthonormal eigenvectors) is necessary to get the most out of this book. The software package SAS is touched on in the book, but by no means is given a comprehensive review. However, the data files on the CD-ROM should be loadable by any competant software package, so use the one you are most comfortable with.

If not overly familiar with any of them, I can recommend S, SPlus, and "GNU's S" (also known as "R") for their power and flexability to work with the data presented in the book.

All and all I found this to be an excellent book, definantly worthwhile if you want or need to know how to do multivariate analysis.

A precious text
This is a very good, very understandable book. It could (maybe should) be used as a first course in multivariate techniques. Concepts very well explained, it needs no more than a good basic course in statistics to be fully absorbed. It also includes enough matrix algebra to be self-contained.

not good
Your typical stat book written by a typical stat professor: dull, dry, and boring and geared towards other professors instead of people who might actually want to *learn* something.

This book is a paradox: it is geared for those who want to learn about multivariate statistics, but is written for those who are very experienced with multivariate analysis, espicially mathematical applications.

Why an instructor would ever assign this book is beyond me; buy and tolerate this book for class if you must. In fact, I don't know one student in my multivariate class who did not complement, supplement, and eventually supplant this text with another text, exasperated by the authors' pretentiousness and unnecessarily complex explanations.

Broad and practical
People complain that statistics is about memorizing a bunch of formulas and when to use them. I disagree. The real problem is that the formulas almost never apply exactly to the subject at hand - they have to be adjusted to each application.

That's why this book is so helpful. It gives huge numbers of results I can use immediately, but also shows me where they came from. That means that I can rephrase the formulas as needed in special computing environments, but still be sure that I'm getting a meaningful answer. The book has a secondary emphasis that I value very highly: checks that the techniques are giving meaningful answers. It's pretty silly, and perhaps dangerous, to apply a technique without knowing how good its results are. This book gives me the checks I need to measure the quality of the results from each technique.

No, there's no C code to cut and paste. This is a math book. The math is clear and well-developed, though, and mostly limited to linear algebra. As I type this, I have the book open to "Discrimination and Classification," and I have my protoype C program on the screen. That's how directly applicable the book is.

I admit, I haven't appplied every technique in the book. All of the book is equally well-written, though. When I need principal components or basic clustering, this is the book I'll grab first.

Complicated.
Why is nearly everything associated with upper division math and statistics seemingly difficult? I took a class that used this book, and some how got a B, I can't even remember half the stuff in this book. Why can't someone write a book that is simple to use, simple to understand, and a little more realistic! Don't get me wrong, I love math, I just have never sat down in a job and did a math proof. Proofs just seem to make the subject for difficult. I want to use the material in a realistic setting, maybe a real life setting?! ... Read more

Book Description

When it comes to pinpointing the stuff you really need to know, nobody does it better than CliffsNotes. This fast, effective tutorial helps you master core statistical concepts – from numerical measures, probability, and sampling to principles of testing, univariate inferential tests, and bivariate relationships – and get the best possible grade.

At CliffsNotes, we're dedicated to helping you do your best, no matter how challenging the subject. Our authors are veteran teachers and talented writers who know how to cut to the chase – and zero in on the essential information you need to succeed. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Excellent
I am taking Stat 244 after taking the first class 5 years ago. I needed a review to catch up, but I am finding that this is much more comprehensible than the textbook and the instructor. Nice and straight forward... Makes you wonder why you need to spend $80+ for a used textbook in college when you can learn it more efficiently from this little guy... THANK YOU!!!!!!

Get Cliff's Quick Review of Statistics
Cliff's Quick Review of Statistics is a good supplement
to any Stat course, and should be kept as a reference.
Good intro text. It ought to be required.

For non-quantitative concepts, presented for the layman,
get the classic "How to Lie With Statistics" by Huff.

Good condensed review
This book is a condensed review of statistics, without laborious examples. It can be used as a refresher or supplement to a more verbose introductory primer. It is perfect for a high school or a one semester introductory stats course.

Statistics Made Comfortable
One of the best summaries of basic statistics: this is how I see this brief book. It gets straight to the point without unnecessary verbiage and irrelevant exercises cooked up by authors of some enormous volumes on statistics that serve to confuse and intimidate rather than teach. This book won't give you detailed explanations of statistical concepts, but there is enough here to supply any beginner with a lot of good understanding of basic statistical techniques, and the book will give an intermediate user a nicre refresher course.

Good for a partial review
This book reviews the basics of "descriptive" statistics very well. Because of this, it is great for the intro stats student. Although it touches on regression, it does not cover the analytical areas very well.

So, if you only have that high school or one semester stats course to get through, buy this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Andy Field has written an up-to-date student-oriented textbook with the aim of making the learning of advanced statistics and using SPSS as painless as possible. While other books either concentrate on statistical theory or on the functions of the popular computer program SPSS, Andy Field integrates the two to provide the student with a thorough grounding in statistics through learning to use SPSS. He provides a detailed, but highly accessible, guide to using SPSS for more complex statistical tests. There are illustrations of dialogue boxes throughout, and each chapter concludes with a set of exercises and descriptions. The book includes a CD-ROM with SPSS datasets and the author provides a website for further help and updates. The book is suitable for use with SPSS versions 7.0, 7.5, 8.0 and above. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

"An essential book of statistics"
Discovering Statistics Using SPSS for Windows uncovers simultaneously the functional foundations of basic statistic and how to work with SPSS statistical software. In addition, Andy Field transformed complex concepts into palatable words.Therefore, if you do not have much time and need to learn statistics in a short period, this is the best book avalailable.

Discovering Statistics using SPSS for Windows
One of the things I admire about people is their ability to recognize others who share similar interests and talents and to give credit where credit is due. In the preface to his book Andy Field cites other authors who have written books about SPSS and stastical theory. I have bought those books and they are well worth the price.
This book is an excellent introduction
to both SPSS and statistics. The book is written with a light, humorous style. It has a lot of examples of statistical analysis. It is obvious that the author has an excellent grasp of SPSS and statistics. It contains a very useful bibliography on statistics and SPSS. There is also a CD ROM included. The book is very well organized and has high quality screen prints of SPSS windows and dialogue boxes. It is one of the best software manuals I have ever purchased. It is well worth the price. If you don't purchase any other book on SPSS, purchase this one

This book saved my life
I have taken statistics as an undergrad and as an MBA student. I am good at math, not the stereotypical math phobic female. But I always have had problems connecting the statistics with what to do, when to do it and what the results were telling me. Well, here I am again as a graduate student working on a Masters degree in Sociology. I am working on my thesis and this book pulled everything together. It matched up SPSS and statistics so that you know what to do, why to do it, how to make SPSS do what you want, and how to interpret the results. I cannot recommend this book enough. It is very clear, very cogent, in English as opposed to stero instructions, and charming as well. I highly recommend it!

Discovering Statistics using SPSS for Windows
The advent of statistical software for the personal computer in the 1980s can be argued to be both a great advancement as well as a critical liability for the field of research. Statistical software has certainly made difficult analytical tasks easier to accomplish, enabling more people to benefit from the use of quantitative techniques. The ever-increasing speed of the personal computer allows researchers to conduct complex analysis in minutes that would have taken days to complete manually. However, with this increased speed and usability comes pitfalls. The ease and speed of statistical software has encouraged some researchers to take a shotgun approach to analysis by running large numbers of analyses instead of strategically selecting analyses guided by theory. Statistical packages also make it possible to run complex procedures that may be misapplied or misinterpreted by researchers without a solid understanding of statistical principles.

No book can stop unscrupulous researchers from supporting their hypotheses by cherry picking favorable results from hundreds of analyses conducted. Well-intentioned students and researchers, however, can turn to Andy Field's book Discovering Statistics using SPSS for Windows for the statistical background and guidance needed to appropriately select, execute, and interpret results.

Field's book bridges the gap between introductory/intermediate statistical textbook and software manual. This engaging, easy to read book leads the reader through:
· Introduction to statistical models
· Exploring data
· Correlations
· Regression
· Logistic regression
· Comparing means
· ANOVA
· Complex ANOVA
· Repeated measures design
· MANOVA
· Exploratory factor analysis.
Each topic of the book begins with an overview of the applicable statistical theory. The theory is presented in non-technical language and references numerous sources for readers wanting a more in-depth review. When background material does become technical, these sections are specially labeled to alert non-technical readers. Field focuses particularly on the statistical assumptions of each statistical technique and how to use SPSS to test for them.

Following the review of statistical theory, each topic includes one or more exercises. Readers are guided step by step through each analysis from dummy coding data, through entering in the necessary SPSS commands, to interpreting SPSS output. An accompanying CD furnishes the data sets used in each exercise, allowing readers to work though each exercise and check results against the book. Through these exercises, Field shows how results can be misinterpreted without a thorough investigation of the data. Great pains are taken throughout the exercises to demonstrate the perils of blindly trusting SPSS output without understanding the theory and underlying statistical assumptions.

From this review, it is obvious that I greatly enjoyed reading the book. I assume that this book is intended primarily for students and practitioners without an extensive background in statistics. However, I found this book to be beneficial in reviewing concepts studied in graduate school more than ten years ago. Field accomplishes the difficult task of simplifying complex topics into everyday language without talking down to his readers. This book is perfectly suited for the non-statistical expert looking for guidance with running analyses with SPSS.

Grad Student Must
I'm a PhD student in the process of analyzing survey data. This book has been the most helpful that I have found for detailing the numerous tests and variations of each test that SPSS has to offer, especially for someone who is statistics illiterate. I would recommend getting a copy of SPSS for windows Step by Step 11.0 Update by Darren George and Paul Mallery, it makes a good companion to this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Through four editions, Arfken and Weber's best-selling Mathematical Methods for Physicists has provided upper-level undergraduate and graduate students with the paramount coverage of the mathematics necessary for advanced study in physics and engineering. It provides the essential mathematical methods that aspiring physicists are likely to encounter as students or beginning researchers. Appropriate for a physics service course, as well as for more advanced coursework, this is the book of choice in the field.

* Provides the essential mathematical methods that aspiring physicists are likely to encounter as students or beginning researchers
* *Serves as both text and useful reference for students of physics and applied mathematics
* *Throughout the text the physical relevance of the mathematics is constantly reinforced ... Read more

Reviews (37)

A physicists handbook for mathematics -- not a textbook
The lecturer of our undergraduate Mathematical Methods for Physics course said that he recommends Arfken's book because it will be useful also later as a reference book. Hearing those words, I could not help but to think "this is one of *those* books". And indeed, although Arfken's and Weber's book covers quite a wide range of mathematics, it does so by being very concise, e.g. there is usually only one example per topic. This is one example of why it is not a good textbook. Not following Arfken's course, I will give another example: there are no answers and no solutions for any of the problems, making it very undesirable from the viewpoint of the person who cannot attend all the lectures. Finally, text itself is quite concise, and often it stops at telling the things rather than explaining them also. I guess I have to admit that I am not one of the excellent students mentioned by a reviewer, for I liked Kreyszig's Advanced Engineering Mathematics much more. As a contrast to Arfken's book, it offered many examples and helped to understand what the thing was all about. Unfortunately, it does not cover nearly all of the topics covered by Mathematical Methods for Physicists. If Mathematical Methods for Physicists is going to be your first introductory text to these topics and if you are not supported by very good lectures I can only say that may God have mercy on your soul.

Needs elaboration: Add 5 pages per page.
I am convinced that the author of this book has made the assumption that the reader has had pretty significant exposure to most of this already. Therefore, this is nothing more than a "all in once place" reference on math methods for physicists. The reason for the diverse range of opinions on this book is due to the various backgrounds of students. For most physic undergrads now taking a grad level math methods course, our exposure to differential eqns, complex functions, tensors, group theory, etc. is superficial. Here is a good entrepreneurial idea for an accomplished physicist that can relate to us mere mortals. For each page that Arfken has provided on a topic, ELABORATE (add 5 pages per page to it and now you have a useful textbook that every graduate student in physics should have). It would save us a fortune in buying the many additional supplemental texts required if you are stuck with Arfken.

Not good to learn from
I used this book in a Math Methods 1st year Graduate Physics course, and I dont think I really learned anything from it.
It doesnt do well at TEACHING you anything, you'll have to buy another book with examples or find them somewhere, and that itself can be difficult.

I found myself referring to Mary Boas' book for a few examples if I wanted to learn anything, but when you get to Group Theory you'll end up lost because the professor will run right over the material and textbooks on that subject arent that great.

If i'm looking for an equation or a mathematical rule, this book is great. Ive used it for Quantum and Jackson E&M quite a bit.

A salad of typos
I have had the misfortune to teach from several editions of this pathetic textbook. The later printings of the 3d edition, by Arfken alone, were quite free of mistakes and of typos. But the early printings of the 5th edition by Arfken and Weber are loaded with typos and have some errors. Most of these typos are in equations that were correct in the 3d edition.

My students have had a hard time learning from this book.

Also, the binding of this $99 book is cheap cardboard -- the hardcover edition does not really have a hard cover. All in all,
this is a typical Elsevier product: inferior and expensive.

Great text for reference and learning
I noticed that most student reviews seemed to disparage this book as a textbook, so I am writing this to provide an alternative veiwpoint. My intermediate Math Methods class used this book and I have not yet enountered a math problem in any of my grad classes that I couldn't use this book as an aide to solve. The book is clear yet concise, which allows for a large breadth of material to be covered in one semester effectively. Yes, some material is not covered with great depth, but I think that Mathematical Methods Books by design are not meant to be thourough, mathematically rigourous books but rather books that will present the method of solving, if not the exact solution, of most problems one might encounter in the physical sciences.

I reccomend this book. Like all other Math Methods books I have seen it will require other texts as supplements if one wants a reference for every problem one could encounter. ... Read more

Book Description

It includes numerous social work practice examples, and discusses types of statistical analyses that are most likely to be encountered by social work practitioners and researchers, but assumes no prior experience with statistics. This edition has been reorganized and updated, with new content added on statistical power, effect size, and measures of association. New topics have been incorporated, including logistic regression and other methods of analysis not in prior editions. New figures and new content on sampling distributions and standard scores (z-scores) have also been added. For anyone interested in research methods and social work. ... Read more

Book Description

This user-friendly introduction to the mathematics of probability and statistics (for readers with a background in calculus) uses numerous applications--drawn from biology, education, economics, engineering, environmental studies, exercise science, health science, manufacturing, opinion polls, psychology, sociology, and sports--to help explain and motivate the concepts. A review of selected mathematical techniques is included, and an accompanying CD-ROM contains many of the figures (many animated), and the data included in the examples and exercises (stored in both Minitab compatible format and ASCII). Empirical and Probability Distributions. Probability. Discrete Distributions. Continuous Distributions. Multivariable Distributions. Sampling Distribution Theory. Importance of Understanding Variability. Estimation. Tests of Statistical Hypotheses. Theory of Statistical Inference. Quality Improvement Through Statistical Methods. For anyone interested in the Mathematics of Probability and Statistics.

Reviews (15)

mediocre text not worth the money
I've never owned any other texts on probability and statistics, but this one is no good. The underlying mathematical concepts are not difficult, but they are presented in a very poor manner. I often have to read a section several times to understand how the authors move from the theory to a specific examples, they seem to leave out steps that aren't intuitive to the first time student (me). Then, once I think I undestand the ideas sufficiently to move to the exercises at the end of the section, I find that they often ask the reader to solve problems the likes of which were barely (or sometimes not at all) explained in the text... its VERY aggrevating. This text, combined with a terrible Prof. has made Prob-Stat a real nightmare ...if you want to safe yourself a lot of time and frustration, get another book, its almost garaunteed to be better.....

The WORST prob & stats book !!
I feel much better after reading other reviews of this book - I am not the only one or the reason for this . This book is very deficient . . Especially for undergraduate learners .

not fit for teaching
While studying statistics with this book I thougth I lack a gene or something because I couldn't make much sense of the subject. Today I know that the book is conceptually wrong.

The book is basically stuck in the 1930's, ignoring major breakthroughs by Shannon, Kolmogorov and others. Fundamental concepts like entropy, individual randomness and typicallity are completely missing.

Furthermore, the book is heavily biased towards hypothesis testing, with little mentioning of Bayesian statistics.

From a pedagogic point of view it must be said that statistical concepts emerged historically and are better understood when placed in the context of the original problems. This book does not do that at all.

average textbook, but sketchy in places
For the most part this textbook provided a good foundation for the study of probability and statistics. Some of the examples lacked a necessary level of detail and left me wondering how they got from point A to point B (especially in the second half of the text). Of course, unless you're just buying this book for self knowledge you probably don't have a choice on whether or not to buy it.

a (yawn) mechanical approach to mathematics
I studied the first 8 chapters of this book instead of attending the undergraduate lecture. This was a mistake. Tanis & Hoggs present probability and statistics, an otherwise interesting topic, in the most mechanical way imaginable. There is no reference (that I can recall) to any underlying mathematical ideas or questions, nor to the problems which originially prompted Poisson, Bernoulli, Gauss, etc. to inquire about the nature of "randomness" in physical events. The authors seem to suppose that their examples demonstrate such things by proxy. This book may make a decent reference for advanced students, but should not be used to teach those seeing prob & stat for the first time... that is, unless, you want it to also be their last. ... Read more

Book Description

Designed to be accessible, this book develops a thorough, functional understanding of mathematical concepts in preparation for their application in other areas. Coverage concentrates on developing concepts and ideas followed immediately by developing computational skills and problem solving. This book features a collection of important topics from mathematics of finance, linear algebra, linear programming, probability, and statistics, with an emphasis on cross-discipline principles and practices. For the professional who wants to acquire essential mathematical tools for application in business, economics, and the life and social sciences.

Reviews (7)

Sound choice for a finite math textbook
This is a very sound choice as a textbook for a course in finite mathematics. The coverage is appropriate, the level suitable for the non-math major, the explanations are excellent and the authors take the title seriously.
The topics are covered in the following order:

* Elementary functions and their graphs.
* The mathematics of finance.
* Matrices and systems of linear equations.
* Linear inequalities and linear programming.
* Logic, set theory and basic counting.
* Probability and probability distributions.
* Basic game and decision theory.
* Markov chains.

There are many exercises and at the end of each section there is a set of basic exercises followed by a collection of applied problems. The set of applied problems is split into three categories: business & economics, life sciences and social sciences. Since finite mathematics is often a preparation for students to work in these fields, this format is what impressed me the most. With all of these "real world" problems to work as part of their study, no student using this book could ever legitimately say that they see no purpose to their studies. Solutions to the odd-numbered problems are included.
I came into contact with this book after my choice of textbook was irrevocable. Had I seen it earlier, it would have been the one I used.

Many exercises in economics, life and the social sciences
This is a very sound choice as a textbook for a course in finite mathematics. The coverage is appropriate, the level suitable for the non-math major, the explanations are excellent and the authors take the title seriously.
The topics are covered in the following order:

* Elementary functions and their graphs.
* The mathematics of finance.
* Matrices and systems of linear equations.
* Linear inequalities and linear programming.
* Logic, set theory and basic counting.
* Probability and probability distributions.
* Basic game and decision theory.
* Markov chains.

There are many exercises and at the end of each section there is a set of basic exercises followed by a collection of applied problems. The set of applied problems is split into three categories: business & economics, life sciences and social sciences. Since finite mathematics is often a preparation for students to work in these fields, this format is what impressed me the most. With all of these "real world" problems to work as part of their study, no student using this book could ever legitimately say that they see no purpose to their studies. Solutions to the odd-numbered problems are included.
I came into contact with this book after my choice of textbook was irrevocable. Had I seen it earlier, it would have been the one I used.

Not user friendly
I am currently using this book for my college course. Examples
are not clear, and many steps missed. Per our instructor alot of the answers in the back are inaccurate. I do not recommend this book for students whom are not well versed in algebra

This finite math book really counts!!
I recommend this book in a heartbeat to anyone taking an introductory college-level mathematics course. I've used this book in courses that I've taught and students love it! Yes, there is a lot of material, but no, who says you have to read every page? It is also a great mathematics refresher! Furthermore, it covers many aspects of the mathematics of finance.

Excellent Text!
I sinmply loved the flow of this text! It mader so much sense to me the way the book went from one concept to the other! Highly recommended if you want to really learn and not "slide" through. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

good books never have thousand pages
This book talks about multivariable calculus that is not included in high school curriculum. The book is concise but covers all the thing I want to know. It is not bulky book that makes you look good; it will lead you to be good at calculus. Of course please master your skill in single variable calculus before trying this one.

Not as advanced as it claims
It is good and clear book. Excellent for undergrad students who want to dig into calculus a bit deeper. But it is too easy for an advanced undergrad or a grad student in any technical field. I recommend the books published by Springer.

I adore the author
Any student who is taking analysis/advanced calculus course should read chapter 2 of this book, especially if he is confused or is struggling on the excellent but relatively abstract/concise texts of Rudin, Apostal, Bartle, Marsden et al. I've never seen a book which can explain the concept of Jacobian and Inplicit function theory in such a clear way!!

More Than I Could Have Expected
This book is simply the best that I have found for math texts. Kaplan does not expect much from the reader; he explains basically everything besides Calculus I material. Kaplan's writing is lively and is (relatively) easy to read. He gets to the point and keeps everything easy to follow. I am still in awe about how much material (look below) he was able to fit into this relatively small book and still keep it so clear. The examples are clear and concise. The problems in the book compliment the understanding of the material; they start out easy and guide the reader to do more difficult problems. This book is MORE THAN SUFFICIENT FOR SELF-STUDY.

Contents: Linear Algebra, Partial Derivatives, Vector Calculus, Multiple Integrals, Sequences and Series, Fourier Series, Complex Variables, and Ordinary/Partial Differential Equations. This is a conservative list.

The price may appear steep, but the content and clarity of this book more than make up for it.

The perfect book
Although my regular textbook is excellent(Larson, Calculus,7th edtion), but there are just ideas and theories which are not explained or expanded. I love Kaplan's Advanced Calculus for the following reasons:
1. It is very logical, everything goes step by step. If there is anything you have not learned or have forgotten, he refers you to specific earlier sections. And if there is something he does not explain, he refers you to other resourses.
2. The book is lean and super clean. Although I do appreciate our regular textbooks's wordiness which is great for a beginner like me, I also love reading this book which goes straight to the core.
3. While some books look lean but are actually dry and really hard to chew, this book is easy to follow. And it really gives you a feeling that you are learning math, you are not just learning some techniques.
4. Even though there are a couple of out of date notations like a reviewer has pointed out, like he writes "ln" as "log", but it really does not interfere reading and understanding.
In short, the book is a gem, every page is worth its paper. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The best of three books I've used so Far for AP Statistics
This text includes all topics necessary for success on the AP exam - I am completing my first year of teaching with this text, and have found it to be an excellent book. The supplemental resource binder for teachers is excellent - it contains sample quizzes, and a short synopsis of what to expect from students encountering this new information for the first time. Lots of activity - based problems and simulations - My hopes for the next edition? The book cover seems to contain some laminate or plastic covering which starts to flake off after much use - a bit annoying- otherwise a very good book.

Wonderful preparation for the AP Stats test!
This is my second year teaching Advanced Placement Statistics. I greatly appreciated having a clear stats book that followed the AP curriculum and included the Texas Instruments TI-83 calculator built in to the examples and problems. Most AP Stats students do not own statistical software and rely on their TI-83. This book is a thorough introduction to statistics text written for the bright high school student with a TI-83. The problems come from real data giving the students the sense they are doing real statistics and not just crunching numbers. All of the students from my class passed the AP test. ... Read more

Book Description

This book takes a rigorous approach to, and therefore creates a deeper understanding of, the usual topics handled in one-dimensional calculus--limits, continuity, differentiation, integration, and infinite series. The text was designed to bridge the gap between intuitive calculus courses normally offered at the undergraduate level and the sophisticated analysis courses offered at the senior or graduate level. The author wrote the book with two goals in mind: the development of a rigorous foundation for the basic topics of analysis, and the less tangible acquisition of an accurate intuitive feeling for analysis. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Excellent Introduction
I believe the author has given students a wonderful text for the beginning of analysis.I disagree with the student who stated that the proofs are unclear.When I took this class last fall, all of the proofs were not clear in the beginning but with a little clarifying by my professor, they quickly became understandable.The problems at the end of the sections are designed to help students fully understand the chapter and while some of the problems require a lot of extra work, they are not impossible.It seems to me if you gave this book a bad review, it was because you were unwilling to put forth the time and effort to fully understand the material.This book was extremely helpful and guided the class in a clear and concise manner.

Extremely unclear
As a math major, I am of course interested in the subject of Real Analysis. But I cannot agree with the other reviews in that the book is very UNACCESSIBLE to undergraduates! I have poured through the first 3 chapters until I almost have them memorized and the concepts are NOT CLEAR. Instead of explaining what is going on, the author rambles on about the "beauty" of his subject and how "we" as students should "carefully" digest the ideas. The examples and proofs are NOT clear and are NOTHING like the HW problems! In fact the proofs are so incomplete, that proving them in the fashion that the author does, does not convince my professor??? This book is a BIG waste of over $100 and a class that I might have enjoyed if the author could see outside of his ego and stop trying to show off to undergraduates who do not know the subject yet!

Great book by Great Guru
In my college days ,i found Edward D gaughan's 'Introduction to Analysis',amidst pile of other books.I read the preface countless times.With his words of encouragement and admonishment ,writer makes you more comfortable ,in your long journey ofMathematics which is real and abstract at once!! I liked this book;After a decade still i fondly remember this book !!I recommend this book whole heartedly, to any one who is sincere in his approach and wants to become first rate mathematician.

Excellent
At first glance, the book appears too thin.But once you've delved a few pages into it, you immediately recognize that the author has simply mastered the art of brevity - while remainining eminently readable.The book covers all the material needed for an undergraduate analysis course - and covers it extremely well.The proofs are easy to follow and extremely instructive, so that the book can also be used in a "Bridge to Advanced Mathematics" or "How to do Proofs" that some schools offer to their math majors to ease the transition from problem-based lower-division courses to proof-based upper-division courses.

A Good, Rigorous Introduction to Analysis
I used this book for an undergraduate course in Analysis and was pleased with it. It is well-organized with poignant examples. The physical construction of the book, however, proved not to be as good as the contentand it is quite worn. ... Read more

Book Description

A comprehensive, exceptionally well-written text that instructors find to be appropriate for students with varying levels of mathematical skill, ranging from those suffering from math phobia and anxiety to those adept at math. The text provides students a first look at social statistics by illustrating the application of statistics to contemporary social issues. Students learn to read and interpret statistics in a variety of settings. Each chapter is complete with numerous practice exercises, problems, and demonstrations and applications of the latest SPSS statistical software package to reinforce chapter concepts, operations, and formulas.Students can also find demonstrations and applications using the MicroCase statistical package on the text's companion web site. The book's primary emphasis is on developing the following skills necessary for students to become "statistically literate": computational competence; appreciation of statistics; and the ability to read professional social science literature. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

There is much to be desired
The book covers most necessary areas of stats, but does it not in a brilliant way: 1)In persuit of making stats simple, the author seems to have left out crucial information in some places so that it leaves the reader confused - you understand HOW to make calculation, but not WHY you should do them. 2) Writting could have been clearer and consise. Examples aren't really well selected - some much more lucid and compelling ones could be brought up to illustrate the points made. 3) The book promises "a wide range of student resources" on its web site - in fact there is nothing there except a review of elementary math. 4) The lay out of the book isn't bad, but this merit is outweighted by the mess in referencing. E.g. Index indicates that info on t-distribution is on p.46 - there is not a single word about t-distribution there, whereas all the info is on pp. 197-199, which is not mentioned in the index at all; etc.

In general, if you just want to pass an exam in elementary stats and can do with rudimentary knowledge of the subject, go with this book. For real understanding of statistics look at different books.

Stats made simple
I have done poorly in statistics before but this book seems to be laid out with good clarity and is better than the first book I used.

This book is part the required texts for Sociology 210 at Loyola Marymount U. in Los Angeles.

This book has a handy layout map that allows the person learning or teaching to circumvent areas of the topic that are not of significant bearing to the class.

I am just starting so take my 5 star rating with the caviat that I am not too familiar with the text yet. Amazon is cheaper than my School book store though!! ... Read more

Book Description

An easy to understand guide to matrix algebra and its uses in statistical analysis. Presents material in an explanatory style instead of the formal theorem-proof format; the only background necessary is high school algebra. The self-contained text includes numerous applied illustrations, numerical examples, and exercises. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Definitively a classic
This is an excellent introductory book, although mostly oriented to people with a reasonably good mathematical background. Searle covers most, if not all, the matrix algebra that you may need to fully understand applications of mixed linear models. Chapters one to eight cover the essential operations (addition, multiplication, determinants, etc) as well as more advanced concepts (rank, canonical forms, inverse, etc). The rest of the book (chapters nine to fifteen) covers applications to statistics as well as advanced topics that can help you to understand how do some of the statistical packages work inside. The only mathematics book that I have read from cover to cover. Definitively a classic. ... Read more