Hello,
what is a good introductory statistics book you can recommend? if there is a whole sequence of books that should be read, please do not hesitate to mention it. Books with applications are also welcome. I am aware that a single search on Amazon (or any other book seller) will provide me tons of titles, but some of them are avoidable...
About my background/knowledge: good knowledge of mathematics and probability theory, but almost null on statistics.
I have an older version of Statistics by Freedman, Pasani, and Purves. It's quite good, although it doesn't have a strong mathematical bent to it.
I've found that it's better at explaining the conceptual aspects than most of the mathematical books. When I've wanted more details on the mathematics, I've found I can usually track it down online (since I know the right question for which to search), so this is now my favorite stats book.
The Cartoon Guide to Statistics by Gonick, et. al is quite good. Even if the format gets on your nerves, it's a quick read, and will make the terminology familiar - afterward, when you want to learn more, you'll know what terms to search with. Other books such as The Drunkard's Walk and The Lady Tasting Tea, while less strictly mathematical, approach the big ideas from a less abstract direction.
'How to Lie with Statistics' is pretty good, though not an in-depth technical introduction. I learned much of what I know about statistics from 'Facts from Figures', which is well written but certainly not a 'modern' book. It is a moderately technical book, but with an emphasis on hand calculations, since pocket calculators, much less personal computers, were still in the dim distant unforeseen future when it was written.
I don't recommend the Head First series. I find the silliness distracting. If you want a good introductory book, use one that is used in college introductory statistics classes. My class was geared towards engineers and used "Engineering Statistics, 3rd Edition" by Montgomery, Runger and Hubele. You could take a class if you want, or you find a tutor to teach you. Having your own tutor would probably be the cheapest way to go, because you could hire a student from a University who had received an A in his or her introductory statics class. Students are usually willing to work for less than professionals.
I'll suggest Introductory Statistics with R by John Verzani. This book is intended as anintroductory book combined with examples for the R stats environment. Based on your stated background and the fact your asking on SO, an example guided tutorial with code may give you the most bang for your mental buck.
Hello.
If you need a theoretical introduction my recommendation is Applied probability and statistical methods by George C Canavos
But, it's possible that you need a statistic practic books. Some manual of statistic software is a good way to introduce in a statistic area
When I showed a friend a nice calculus book that I was reading, he mentioned that the same author had a very good statistics book too, so I guess it must be this: Schaums Outline of Statistics.
Once you get pass through the introductory matters, you might find use to this too: NIST Statistics Handbook (it's available for free).
