Covers all the basic concepts of statistics--descriptive study of data, probability, sampling variation, statistical inference, and special techniques for handling data--and illustrates them with practical examples that stimulate students' appreciation of the subject. Pays careful attention to the role of assumptions so that readers can develop a sophisticated approach to interpreting statistical results. Each chapter begins by identifying the practical goal underlying topics covered and ends with a summary of key ideas and formulas. Features many examples and exercises based on real-life settings, including the use of computers.