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Author: David Barton and Claire Laverty

Published: 2012

Publisher: Pearson Education New Zealand

Format: Paperback

Pages: 728

Suitable: Year 13 (NCEA Level 3)

Description:

Sigma Statistics is a brand-new statistics-focused textbook following in the tradition of Sigma Mathematics.

The sections on Achievement Standards 3.10, 3.11 and 3.12 provide ground-breaking coverage of the ultimate stages of the statistics enquiry cycle approach. The emphasis is on statistical inference and interpretation rather than on statistical calculation. These chapters feature statistical methods such as bootstrapping, randomization, resampling and experimental design (treatment and response variables, allocation of treatments, etc.), all of which are new in the Year 13 classroom. There is also a comprehensive selection of statistical reports, giving students the opportunity to practice critiquing causal-relationship claims and interpreting margins of error.

Technology is tightly integrated into the coverage, and features the new iNZight and Visual Inference Tools (VIT) software developed by Professor Chris Wild and his pioneering team at the University of Auckland, as well as the use of CAS calculators, spreadsheets and apps, where appropriate.

The parts of the course that have evolved from the current NCEA Level 3 Statistics and Modelling Achievement Standards have been extensively upgraded. The content has been carefully revised in line with best teaching practice, and expanded to respond to changes in the curriculum and assessment. Among the mathematical changes are:

new material on probability distributions (Achievement Standard 3.14), focusing on mean and standard deviation being properties of a distribution

coverage of deterministic vs. probabilistic concepts, or true vs. experimental vs. theoretical probability (Achievement Standard 3.13)

new material on risk and relative risk that strengthens the probability section in Achievement Standard 3.13 new simulations.

There are still plenty of investigations and puzzles to motivate students and stimulate thinking. These are both independent of, and related to, the coursework.