Stats: Data and Models

This book is written for the introductory statistics course and students majoring in any field. It is written in an approachable, informal style that invites students to think about how to reason when data is available. Stats: Data and Models (SDM), as compared to Intro Stats, offers Math Boxes, which present the mathematical underpinnings of the statistical methods and concepts, and advanced topics (Ch. 28-31) that are often covered in a two-semester course, plus the inclusion of non-parametrics. SDM carries a core focus on statistical thinking and understanding analyses throughout the text, emphasizing how statistics helps us to understand the world. The book also recognizes the central role that technology plays in statistics. SDM is organized into short teachable chapters that focus on one topic at a time, offering instructors flexibility in selecting topics while students receive digestible chunks of information that build on previous material before moving on.

            Richard D. De Veaux is an internationally known educator and lecturer. He has taught at the Wharton School and the Princeton University School of Engineering, where he won a “Lifetime Award for Dedication and Excellence in Teaching.” Since 1994, he has been Professor of Statistics at Williams College. During 2006–2007 he returned to Princeton as the William R. Kenan Visiting Professor for Distinguished Teaching. Dick has won both the Wilcoxon and Shewell awards from the American Society for Quality. He is a fellow of the American Statistical Association. Dick is also well known in industry, where over 20 years he has consulted for such companies as Hewlett-Packard, Alcoa, DuPont, Pillsbury, General Electric, and American Express. Because of some conversations he had with Mickey Hart while Hart was doing research for his book, Planet Drum, Dick has often been called the “Official Statistician for the Grateful Dead.”

            Dick holds degrees from Princeton University in Civil Engineering (B.S.E.) and Mathematics (A.B.) and from Stanford University in Dance Education (M.A.) and Statistics (Ph.D.) where he studied with Persi Diaconis. His research focuses on the analysis of large data sets and data mining in science and industry.

            In his spare time he is an avid cyclist and swimmer. He also is the founder and bass for  the “Diminished Faculty,” an a cappella Doo-Wop quartet at Williams College. He was once a professional dancer and teaches Modern Dance during Winter Study at Williams. Dick is the father of four children.

            Paul F. Velleman has an international reputation for innovative Statistics education. He is

the author and designer of the multimedia statistics CD-ROM ActivStats, for which he was awarded the EDUCOM Medal for innovative uses of computers in teaching statistics, and the ICTCM Award for Innovation in Using Technology in College Mathematics. He also developed the award-winning statistics program, Data Desk, and the Internet site Data And Story Library (DASL) (http://dasl.datadesk.com), which provides data sets for teaching Statistics. Paul coauthored (with David Hoaglin) ABCs of Exploratory Data Analysis.

            Paul has taught Statistics at Cornell University since 1975. He holds an A.B. from Dartmouth College in Mathematics and Social Science, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Statistics from Princeton University, where he studied with John Tukey. His research often deals with statistical graphics and data analysis methods.

            Paul is a Fellow of the American Statistical Association and of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

            Out of class, Paul sings baritone in a barbershop quartet. He is the father of two boys.

            David E. Bock taught mathematics at Ithaca High School for 35 years. He has taught Statistics at Ithaca High School, Tompkins-Cortland Community College, Ithaca College, and Cornell University. Dave has won numerous teaching awards, including the MAA’s Edyth May Sliffe Award for Distinguished High School Mathematics Teaching (twice), Cornell University’s Outstanding Educator Award (three times), and has been a finalist for New York State Teacher of the Year.

            Dave holds degrees from the University at Albany in Mathematics (B.A.) and Statistics/Education (M.S.)

            Dave has been a reader for the AP Statistics exam, serves as a Statistics consultant to the College Board, and leads workshops and institutes for AP Statistics teachers. He is currently K–12 Education and Outreach Coordinator and a senior lecturer for the Mathematics Department at Cornell University.

            Dave relaxes by biking and hiking. He and his wife have enjoyed many days camping across Canada and through the Rockies. They have a son, a daughter, and twin granddaughters.