" Our objective in this book is to present an exposition of basic principles of statistics along with some indication of applications which satisfies the following ten commandments: The focus should be placed on a clear development of basic ideas and principles. The exposition of these basic ideas and principles should be streamlined so as to avoid having the undergrowth get in the way of the statistical forest. High priority should be given to the assumptions which underlie the application of statistical principles. Understanding of abuses, misuses, and misunderstandings which have arisen from the application of statistics is essential for a correct understanding of statistics. The coverage should provide students with sufficient preparation for continued study of intermediate and advanced level statistics or disciplines which use statistical methodology. The exposition should be readable and understandable by students without sacrifice of mathematical accuracy. The organization should clearly distinguish mainstream topics inherent in every basic level statistics course, irrespective of applied interests, from topics of special interest to particular audience segments. The computation dimension should not be given equal billing with statistical principles and ideas. Statistics is the master and, important as it is, the computation tool is the servant. Exercises to provoke-thought - exercise the little grey cells, as Hercule Poirot would put it - should be a prominent part of the exposition. Exercise banks to help the student see statistics as a whole are important.
About the Author: William J. Adams, Professor of Mathematics at Pace University, is a recipient of Paces Outstanding Teacher Award. He was Chairman of the Pace N.Y. Mathematics Department from 1976 through 1991. Professor Adams is author or co-author of over twenty books on mathematics, its applications, and history, including Elements of Linear Programming (1969), Calculus for Business and Social Science (1975), Fundamentals of Mathematics for Business, Social and Life Sciences (1979), Elements of Complex Analysis (1987), Get a Grip on Your Math (1996), Slippery Math in Public Affairs: Price Tag and Defense (2002) and Think First, Apply MATH, Think Further: Food for Thought (2005), The Life and Times of the Central Limit Theorem Second Edition(2009). His concern with the slippery side of math and what math can do for us and its limitations is a prominent feature of his writings on applications. Concerning higher education in general, he is the author of The Nifty-Gritty in the Life of a University (2007).