Mathematica Laboratories for Mathematical Statistics: Emphasizing Simulation and Computer Intensive Methods, by Jenny A. Baglivo, provides a model for incorporating technology and modern statistical methods into mathematical statistics courses. Although the print book was originally published in 2005, the electronic material accompanying the text (previously provided on CD-ROM) were recently updated for use with current versions of Mathematica and are available online.
The book is a concise introduction to the concepts of probability theory and mathematical statistics and includes parametric, nonparametric, permutation, bootstrap, and diagnostic methods. The print book does not include Mathematica commands. Instead, step-by-step instructions for using Mathematica are given in examples in the online material, which includes a series of in-class and take-home computer laboratory problems designed to reinforce the concepts and apply the techniques in real or realistic settings. The labs are accessible to users with little or no experience with Mathematica.
In addition to the 230+ laboratory problems, the online material includes custom tools designed to enhance the capabilities of Mathematica for probability and statistics. Complete solutions to all labs, an instructor’s guide, and hints for developing additional tools and labs are available to instructors who adopt the text for their courses.
The order of topics and level of presentation in the book are similar to those of other mathematical statistics texts. Chapters on permutation and bootstrap techniques were added after the formal inference chapters and before the intermediate-level topics. These two techniques are then discussed side-by-side with classical methods in later chapters. Thus, instructors will find it easy to incorporate the book’s approach into their courses.
The book’s contents are sufficient to support a problem-oriented mathematical statistics sequence in which the computer is used throughout the sequence. In fact, the first lab session can be scheduled after only three or four class meetings. The book and accompanying online material also can be used for self-study by statistical practitioners or consultants interested in a computer-based introduction to mathematical statistics, especially to computer-intensive methods.
Potential users interested in requesting an examination or desk copy, or current users who wish to obtain access to the updated material, should visit the SIAM website.
Leave a Reply