Everything you wanted to know about statistics…but were afraid to ask

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"Statistics is the grammar of science." Karl Pearson

Statistics is important in understanding and interpreting science especially with respect to research…but everyone can enjoy a basic understanding of statistics for their everyday life. For example, when I took my first statistics course, we were asked to calculate the odds of winning the 6/49 lottery. I knew the odds were not good, but I was shocked to learn the chances of winning was just 1 in 14 million (actually, over 14 million). I remember those odds everytime I feel like buying a ton of lottery tickets so that I can quit my job.

There are a couple of fun ways to learn more about statistics:

Come out to Dr Eric Mintz's presentation, "Everything you wanted to know about statistics…but were afraid to ask" at North York Central Library on Wednesday, September 24 at 7 pm. Don't worry, this won't be a snoozefest–Dr. Mintz aims to make it fun, entertaining and informative!

The Norm Chronicles: stories and numbers about danger and death is a book about the likelihood of risks and dangers we face everyday, such as being hit while crossing the street. Place a hold on the library's eBook copy or visit The Norm Chronicles' website for a fun and interactive demonstration.

More traditional ways to learn about statistics:


The Tao of statistics: a path to understanding (with no math) by Dana K. Keller	Correlated: from square dancing and bumper stickers to Trekkies and ketchup, surprising connections between seemingly unrelated things by Shaun Gallagher	Risk savvy: how to make good decisions by Gerd Gigerenzer

Understanding uncertainty by D.V. Lindley	The improbability principle: why coincidences, miracles and rare events happen everyday by D.J. Hand	The cartoon introduction to statistics by Grady Klein