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SPRENT, P. Data Driven Statistical Methods. Chapman & Hall, London, 1998. x + 406 pp. 36.50/$64.95. ISBN 0-412-79540-X.
This book introduces a range of data driven star tistical methods using a fairly data driven approach to explanation. Methods are developed using examples to illustrate how each one works, while the principles underlying the techniques are clearly elucidated with no more mathematical detail than is necessary for understanding. At the same time there is considerable space given to practical data analytic issues, to pointing out the pitfalls that can arise when using any given method and to comparing alternative approaches to problems.
The book assumes familiarity with the material usually covered in a first statistics course. The initial chapters introduce the fundamental methods and ideas underpinning the rest of the book: permutation, randomization, the bootstrap and robust estimation. Thereafter the material is presented in fairly traditional order: two sample and one sample problems, many sample problems, regression and categorical data analysis. Not so traditional...