I need to learn the fundamentals of statistics

[aneeshm]

I want to learn the fundamentals of statistics. Can anyone give me any pointers on how to do that? Any online resources? And place where the basics are explained in a manner easy to understand (without being dumbed down to the level where the whole thing is useless)?

[KrazyHorse]

You need to learn the scientific method first.

And something about the origins of Hindu civilisation. Hint: it started when the British built a railroad for you.

[BeBMan]

Fundamentals of statistics: don't trust any kind of statistics you didn't make up personally.

[aneeshm]

But seriously, anyone have any idea?

EDIT: This was an X-post, but funnily enough, it's appropriate nonetheless.

[KrazyHorse]

What sort of statistics?

An Introduction to Error Analysis (John R. Taylor) is a standard text around here. You might be able to get the Indian edition really cheaply.

[Arrian]

Re: I need to learn the fundamentals of statistics

Originally posted by aneeshm
I want to learn the fundamentals of statistics. Can anyone give me any pointers on how to do that? Any online resources? And place where the basics are explained in a manner easy to understand (without being dumbed down to the level where the whole thing is useless)?

You could come at this sideways - become a rabid baseball fan (in particular, get into the statistical analysis of the game). That'll give some pretty good ideas about how to use stats (and how not to use them) w/o taking a class. Plus, it's fun!

...

KH:

-Arrian

[KrazyHorse]

Re: Re: I need to learn the fundamentals of statistics

Originally posted by Arrian
KH:

My synopsis of "Raj: The Making and Unmaking of British India" (Lawrence James)

[aneeshm]

Originally posted by KrazyHorse
What sort of statistics?

An Introduction to Error Analysis (John R. Taylor) is a standard text around here. You might be able to get the Indian edition really cheaply.

The sort of statistics required to model the behaviour of huge numbers of bodies (the type used in the statistical approach to thermodynamics).

I'll be using it for something totally different, though.

[Combat Ingrid]

From my perspective (molecular biology), statistics is something you use to add the text "p<0.05" to your dull findings, thereby making them seem more important.

[KrazyHorse]

Statistical and Thermal Physics (Reif)

[KrazyHorse]

Good luck learning Stat Mech without a solid physics background.

[Kuciwalker]

Originally posted by aneeshm
The sort of statistics required to model the behaviour of huge numbers of bodies (the type used in the statistical approach to thermodynamics).

Ah, that's a bit different than inferential statistics in demographics...

[aneeshm]

Is the full name "Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics"? I'll look into it.

I just want to learn the statistical methods used, not their applications to physics or any other field. Is there something which provides only that?

[aneeshm]

Originally posted by KrazyHorse
Good luck learning Stat Mech without a solid physics background.

How much physics do you need for this book?

As an addendum to my previous post - if they physics in the book can help me understand how it is applied to real systems, then I don't mind, it'll be good practice.

[Pekka]

Fundamentals? Here:

There's stuff, and then we can build stats from that stuff.