01 / Reading Guide
Reading Guide
Who this book is for
A first statistics course for business or economics students who want to interpret numerical evidence. It adapts the general OpenStax statistics text with business examples and a wider regression treatment, offering a distinct route from the mathematics collection's Introductory Statistics 2e.
Prerequisites
Secondary-school algebra, percentages and basic graph reading. No previous statistics course is assumed; a spreadsheet is useful when working with regression output.
What it covers
The sequence moves from sampling and descriptive statistics through probability distributions, confidence intervals and hypothesis tests to correlation and regression. Later material introduces multiple predictors and spreadsheet-based analysis. Its focus is applied understanding rather than a proof-based course in mathematical statistics.
How to use it
Begin with the data vocabulary and descriptive chapters, then work through probability before inference. Attempt an example independently before checking its solution. For regression, record the response, predictors and modelling assumptions, and distinguish association from causation. Use the Excel section alongside your own small dataset.
Edition and sources
Second edition, published in 2023. This guide uses the official preface, opening material and selected regression sections. OpenStax provides free web and PDF access. The text licence does not automatically cover book covers or logos.
