This text is designed for a one-quarter or one-semester introductory course in

statistics. It could be used in those colleges and universities that teach a general

course appropriate for students majoring, or intending to major, in many

different areas. The approach, examples, and exercises provide a basic knowl-

edge of statistical concepts that will be useful in business and in the biological,

social, or physical sciences.

Certainly one of the primary objectives of an introductory statistics course is

to develop in the student an appreciation of the role that statistics plays in

society. This third edition of Understanding Statistics retains this objective but

places an increased emphasis on the analysis and interpretation of experi-

mental data. Entry into the topics of statistical estimation and testing of

hypotheses is prefaced by new chapters on probability and sampling distribu-

tions. The net effect is to present a course that attempts to develop an intro-

ductory level of statistical competence as well as a general understanding and

appreciation of the contribution of statistics in business and the social, physical,

and biological sciences.