Using the same statistical discussions found in his text, "Statistics: Principles and Methods", Richard Johnson has written a briefer introductory text concentrating on a core of key subjects. Key applied topics that have been expanded and introduced earlier in the text are data analysis, survey sampling and experimental design, and bivariate data analysis. In addition, a chapter on statistical reasoning and exercises integrated throughout the text aims to motivate students' understanding of statistical tools from an applied decision making perspective. Early emphasis on designing the data collections process should allow lecturers to assign real case studies and data collection projects early in the semester. Expanded discussions should help students distinguish "good" samples from "bad" samples using data collected from national newspapers and television reports. The book also offers extended intuitive explanations of the basic concepts and methods such as sample mean, median, variance and quartiles. Chapter 4 on probability takes this usually theoretical discussion and shows students how it can be applied to solve probability and inference problems encountered in everyday life. The book also provides streamlined coverage of regression and chi-square tests.