Aspects of Statistical Inference

Book excerpt: Relevant, concrete, and thorough--the essential data-based text onstatistical inference The ability to formulate abstract concepts and draw conclusionsfrom data is fundamental to mastering statistics. Aspects ofStatistical Inference equips advanced undergraduate and graduatestudents with a comprehensive grounding in statistical inference,including nonstandard topics such as robustness, randomization, andfinite population inference. A. H. Welsh goes beyond the standard texts and expertly synthesizesbroad, critical theory with concrete data and relevant topics. Thetext follows a historical framework, uses real-data sets andstatistical graphics, and treats multiparameter problems, yet isultimately about the concepts themselves. Written with clarity and depth, Aspects of Statistical Inference: * Provides a theoretical and historical grounding in statisticalinference that considers Bayesian, fiducial, likelihood, andfrequentist approaches * Illustrates methods with real-data sets on diabetic retinopathy,the pharmacological effects of caffeine, stellar velocity, andindustrial experiments * Considers multiparameter problems * Develops large sample approximations and shows how to use them * Presents the philosophy and application of robustness theory * Highlights the central role of randomization in statistics * Uses simple proofs to illuminate foundational concepts * Contains an appendix of useful facts concerning expansions,matrices, integrals, and distribution theory Here is the ultimate data-based text for comparing and presentingthe latest approaches to statistical inference.