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Intermediate Statistics For Dummies
I use this icon to reinforce certain ideas that are critical for success in inter-
mediate statistics, such as things I think are important to go over as you
prepare for an exam.
This icon points out exciting and perhaps surprising situations where inter-
mediate statistics is being used in the real world.
When you see this icon, you can skip over it if you don’t want to get into the
nitty-gritty details. They exist mainly for people who have a special interest
or obligation to know more about the more technical aspects of the statistical
issues.
Tips refer to helpful hints, ideas, or shortcuts that you can use to save time,
or alternative ways to think about a particular concept.
I use warning icons to help you stay away from common misconceptions
and pitfalls you can face when dealing with intermediate statistics ideas and
techniques.
Where to Go from Here
This book is written in a nonlinear way, so you can start anywhere and still
be able to understand what’s happening. However, I can make some recom-
mendations to those who are interested in knowing where to start.
If you’re thoroughly familiar with the ideas of hypothesis testing and simple
linear regression, start with Chapter 5 (multiple regression). Use Chapter 1
if you need a reference for the jargon that statisticians use in intermediate
statistics.
If you have covered all topics up through the various types of regression
(simple, multiple, nonlinear, and logistic) or a subset of those as your professor
deemed important, proceed to Chapter 9, the basics of analysis of variance
(ANOVA).

Chapter 14 is the place to begin if you want to tackle qualitative (categorical)
variables before hitting the quantitative stuff. You can work with the Chi-
square test there.

Nonparametric statistics are presented starting with Chapter 16. This area is
a hot topic in today’s statistics courses, yet one that doesn’t seem to get as
much space in textbooks as it should. Start here if you want the full details on
the most common nonparametric procedures.