Page 26 - Intermediate Statistics for Dummies

03_045206 intro.qxd 2/1/07 9:40 AM Page 5
Introduction
Part IV: Building Strong Connections
with Chi-Square Tests
This part deals with the Chi-square distribution and how you can use it to
model and test qualitative (categorical) data. You see how to test for inde-
pendence of two categorical variables using a Chi-square test. (No more spec-
ulations just by looking at the data in a two-way table!) You also see how to
use Chi-square to test how well a model for categorical data fits.
Part V: Rebels without a Distribution:
Nonparametric Statistics
You can look at techniques used in situations where you can’t (or don’t want
to) assume your data comes from a population with a certain distribution. 5
For example, when your population isn’t normal (the condition required by
most other methods in intermediate statistics).
Part VI: The Part of Tens
Reading this part can give you an edge in two major areas that go beyond the
formulas and techniques of intermediate statistics. Those areas are starting
the problem right (knowing what type of problem it is and how to attack it)
and ending the problem right (knowing what kinds of conclusions you can
and can’t make).
You also find an appendix at the back of the book that contains all the tables
you need to understand and complete the calculations used in this book.
Icons Used in This Book

I use icons in this book to draw your attention to certain features that occur
on a regular basis. Think of them as road signs that you encounter on a trip.
Some signs tell you about shortcuts, but others offer more information that
you may need; some signs alert you to possible warnings, while others leave
you with something to remember.

When you see this icon, it means I’m explaining how to carry out that particu-
lar data analysis using Minitab. I also explain the information you get in the
computer output so you can interpret your results.