Probability - Interactive Example

Classical probability is based on the assumption that the outcomes of an experiment are equally likely. Using the classical viewpoint, the probability of an event happening is computed by dividing the number of favorable outcomes by the number of possible outcomes.

This module simulates classical probability with the rolling of a die. Note that the theoretical probability of any one value is 1/6 or 0.1667. Also note that for small experiments (12 observations), the observed relative frequencies are often not very accurate estimates of the theoretical probabilities. However, as the experiment size increases, the relative frequencies approach the theoretical probabilities.

Click here to try the Interactive Example

Descriptive Sampling Statistics Module

Web-Based Descriptive Sampling Statistics Module
Click here to use Module

Man confusing man using statistics.

The Cartoon Guide to Statistics

The Cartoon Guide to Statistics (with Woollcott Smith)

Statistics is a student's bete noire. An ordeal. A chore. A requirement. But to me, it's like magic. Isn't it amazing that probability governs the basic laws of the universe? Statistical models are somehow more real than reality itself!

The Cartoon Guide to Statistics, is the most popular of all the cartoon guides, covers the basics of data sets, probability, random variables, binomial and normal distributions, sampling, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, experimental design, and more. Formulas included!Great reference book to review.

Free Statistics Software

Check out this website for a pretty good size list of FREE Statistics Software.
http://freestatistics.altervista.org/en/stat.php

Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is the principal fact-finding agency for the Federal Government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics. They publish reports and other products that cover a broad range of topics including the U.S. labor market, economy, and society.

Check out the site: http://www.bls.gov/

What is Statistics?

Statistics is a mathematical science pertaining to the collection, analysis, interpretation or explanation, and presentation of data. It is applicable to a wide variety of academic disciplines, from the natural and social sciences to the humanities, government and business.

Statistical methods can be used to summarize or describe a collection of data; this is called descriptive statistics. In addition, patterns in the data may be modeled in a way that accounts for randomness and uncertainty in the observations, and are then used to draw inferences about the process or population being studied; this is called inferential statistics. Both descriptive and inferential statistics comprise applied statistics. There is also a discipline called mathematical statistics, which is concerned with the theoretical basis of the subject.

The word statistics is also the plural of statistic (singular), which refers to the result of applying a statistical algorithm to a set of data, as in economic statistics, crime statistics, etc.