Renowned for his exceptional contributions to the field of statistics, this prominent figure has shaped modern statistical thinking. His work spans various applications, influencing both academic research and practical implementations. With a reputation for clarity and insight, he engages audiences with a blend of rigorous analysis and accessible communication. This book reflects on his journey, exploring key concepts in statistics while highlighting their relevance in today's data-driven world. Readers can expect a compelling mix of personal anecdotes and professional insights.
These titles focus on the approaches that can be taken in the classroom to
develop skills and a conceptual understanding of specific mathematical
concepts.
How can statistics help us understand the world? Can we come to reliable conclusions when data is imperfect? How is statistics changing in the age of data science? Statistics has played a leading role in our scientific understanding of the world for centuries, yet we are all familiar with the way statistical claims can be sensationalised, particularly in the media. In the age of big data, as data science becomes established as a discipline, a basic grasp of statistical literacy is more important than ever. In The Art of Statistics, David Spiegelhalter guides the reader through the essential principles we need in order to derive knowledge from data. Drawing on real world problems to introduce conceptual issues, he shows us how statistics can help us determine the luckiest passenger on the Titanic, whether serial killer Harold Shipman could have been caught earlier, and if screening for ovarian cancer is beneficial. How many trees are there on the planet? Do busier hospitals have higher survival rates? Why do old men have big ears? Spiegelhalter reveals the answers to these and many other questions - questions that can only be addressed using statistical science.
'A statistical national treasure' Jeremy Vine, BBC Radio 2 'Required reading for all politicians, journalists, medics and anyone who tries to influence people (or is influenced) by statistics. A tour de force' Popular Science Do busier hospitals have higher survival rates? How many trees are there on the planet? Why do old men have big ears? David Spiegelhalter reveals the answers to these and many other questions - questions that can only be addressed using statistical science. Statistics has played a leading role in our scientific understanding of the world for centuries, yet we are all familiar with the way statistical claims can be sensationalised, particularly in the media. In the age of big data, as data science becomes established as a discipline, a basic grasp of statistical literacy is more important than ever. In The Art of Statistics, David Spiegelhalter guides the reader through the essential principles we need in order to derive knowledge from data. Drawing on real world problems to introduce conceptual issues, he shows us how statistics can help us determine the luckiest passenger on the Titanic, whether serial killer Harold Shipman could have been caught earlier, and if screening for ovarian cancer is beneficial. 'Shines a light on how we can use the ever-growing deluge of data to improve our understanding of the world' Nature
Shows how to apply statistical reasoning to real-world problems. This isn't simply memorizing formulas or using the tools in a spreadsheet; Spiegelhalter emphasizes the importance of clarifying questions, assumptions, and expectations, and-- more importantly-- knowing how to responsibly interpret the results the software generates
'I couldn't imagine a better guidebook for making sense of a tragic and
momentous time in our lives. Covid by Numbers is comprehensive yet concise,
impeccably clear and always humane' Tim Harford How many people have died
because of COVID-19? Which countries have been hit hardest by the virus? What
are the benefits and harms of different vaccines? How does COVID-19 compare to
the Spanish flu? How have the lockdown measures affected the economy, mental
health and crime? This year we have been bombarded by statistics - seven day
rolling averages, rates of infection, excess deaths. Never have numbers been
more central to our national conversation, and never has it been more
important that we think about them clearly. In the media and in their Observer
column, Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter and RSS Statistical Ambassador
Anthony Masters have interpreted these statistics, offering a vital public
service by giving us the tools we need to make sense of the virus for
ourselves and holding the government to account. In Covid by Numbers, they
crunch the data on a year like no other, exposing the leading misconceptions
about the virus and the vaccine, and answering our essential questions. This
timely, concise and approachable book offers a rare depth of insight into one
of the greatest upheavals in history, and a trustworthy guide to these most
uncertain of times.
