An easy, logical way to make sense of the numbers and data you encounter every day.

John L. Phillips is a well-known expert in both statistics and psychology. A retired professor of psychology at Boise State University, Phillips lives in Boise, Idaho.

Phillips explores the underlying logic of data analysis, explaining basic statistical concepts step by step to show how the numbers are gathered, organized, tested, interpreted—and in some cases, manipulated and misapplied. Concise, accessible, and engaging, this sixth edition has been thoroughly revised, and now draws on a broader range of current examples from psychology, politics, business, education, medicine, advertising, sports, and other areas.

"The Phillips book has long provided one of the most intuitive and accessible introductions to statistical thinking available."—Jeffrey S. Berman, Professor of Psychology, University of Memphis

"A very valuable resource for those who need to understand what basic statistical analyses are about, without actually performing any calculations."—Todd Zakrajsek, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology, Southern Oregon University

"Provides a logical method for understanding the concepts behind numbers, from deciphering ad claims and government reports to probing business realities. Students and professionals alike will relish a title which helps everyday individuals make sense of numbes and how they're interpreted and manipulated."—Midwest Book Review

"Well suited for a course that requires some understanding of statistics to interpret and critique data and studies that are integral to the subject matter of the course."—Science Books & Films