A Looking Ahead section previews the contents of each chapter and lists the learning objectives for the chapter.
At least four (but usually more) Statistics in Action minicases are included in most chapters, and each minicase is keyed with an icon that identified it as being in one of the following categories: (1) Business/Economics, (2) Physical Science/Engineering, (3) Health, (4) Social Science, (5) Education, and (6) Leisure Activities.
There are numerous real-data examples and exercises in each chapter.
The use of MINITAB and the TI-83 graphing calculator to support computing, analysis, and decision-making efforts is demonstrated in many example problems.
Important terms are introduced in boldface type and are defined in colour-shaded boxes. Important formulas are also boxed and numbered.
Self-Testing Review problems that support the learning objectives are provided at the end of each section to help students master the material. Answers to odd-numbered Self-Testing Review problems are provided at the end of each chapter.
Logic flowcharts, with procedural steps outlined in colour, are used in most chapters, and these charts are often easier for students to follow than narrative summaries.
A Looking Back section at the end of every chapter addresses the chapter learning objectives by summarizing the main points presented in the chapter.
An Exercises section presents many hundreds of new and real-world problems to help students gain additional practice and confidence. Over 1,750 realistic problems dealing with a wide variety of topics are included in the Self-Testing Review sections and end-of-chapter exercises.
Among Topics for Review and Discussion we offer questions that are designed to produce a written or oral response. The questions invite the student to think critically about what they are learning and to reason about statistics. We provide over 125 such questions.
Each Projects/Issues to Consider section recommends topics for student research that are based on chapter material. Many of the projects ask the student to collect, analyze, and interpret data. Over 60 projects are presented.
A Computer/Calculator Exercises section presents problems that are keyed to chapter topics. Over 250 exercises offer interactive drill practice that is both applied (real data sets, real statistical packages) and tailored to the student's needs. There are over 250 such exercises, and over 200 of these are new for this edition!
Appendix 11 (Page A-24), Entering and Editing Data in MINITAB. This brief, illustrated introduction to the program will get students up and running quickly.
The Index of Applications guides instructors and students to examples and exercises discussing topics from specific fields, such as health care or business.
