Best Statistics Books – 11 Top Picks To Learn How To Interpret Data

by | Jul 4, 2020

Having statistical knowledge can help you interpret data, improve your methods to collect that data, and identify notable trends over time. Being able to interpret data will allow you to present the results and implications of your findings, as well as make decisions in regards to that data. 

There is a lot to learn when it comes to statistics, and reading up on all that knowledge from the experts can prove extremely beneficial. That’s why we’ve found the best statistics books out there so you can develop a better understanding.

Best Statistics Books

Knowledge of statistics allows you to predict future trends and can help you manage finances as well as effectively run a business. Below are the top 11 books on statistics that can help you kick start your statistical knowledge.

1. Naked Statistics by Charles Wheelan

Naked Statistics by Charles Wheelan

From the best-selling author of Naked Economics, Naked Statistics turns statistics upside down with revolutionary methods on interpreting data. Although many consider the field of statistics to be boring and tedious, Charles Wheelan is here to claim otherwise. He claims how the right data can help you answer the most burning questions, such as: how does Netflix know which movies you’ll love? 

In this, Wheelan explains the importance of statistical analysis in a comedic, interesting way. Later on, he explains tricky topics such as inference and regression analysis. By reading Naked Statistics, you’ll no longer see stats as an unglamorous part of life. 

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2. The Elements of Statistical Learning by Trevor Hastie, Robert Tibshirani, and Jerome Friedman

The Elements of Statistical Learning by Trevor Hastie, Robert Tibshirani, and Jerome Friedman

In this #1 best-seller, you’ll learn how statistics play an important role in a variety of occupations. Whether you’re in finance or biology, statistical learning plays a significant role in performance. Emphasizing concepts over mathematics, this is the perfect book to keep you interested and inform you of the implications of useful data.

Not only are there extensive applications of data, but this book also includes various illustrations and graphics to keep you interested. If you’re looking to understand the broader implications of statistical learning, this is the book for you.

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3. How to Lie with Statistics by Darrell Huff

How to Lie with Statistics by Darrell Huff

With over half a million copies sold, this best-selling book will help you understand every popularly used type of statistic. In this, Huff goes into commonly misunderstood topics such as the tabulation method, interview techniques, sample size, and more. 

Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn more about statistics or an experienced learner, this book will help you deepen your knowledge and put statistics to use.

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4. All of Statistics by Larry A. Wasserman

All of Statistics by Larry A. Wasserman

If you’re scrambling to learn probability and statistics on a time crunch, this book has been created for you. Bringing together all of the concepts of modern statistics into one place, this book is suitable for all learners, including both students and teachers. Since statistics have such broad implications, this book has also been recommended for those involved in machine learning, data mining, and computer science.

If you’re looking for a concise course about statistical inference, this book has all you need to master the subject from beginning to end. Rather than a typical introduction on statistics, this book covers all the topics you’ll need to know to effectively interpret data.

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5. Discovering Statistics Using R by Andy Field, Jeremy Miles, and Zoe Field

Discovering Statistics Using R by Andy Field, Jeremy Miles, and Zoe Field

Discovering Statistics Using R is written in an easy-to-understand manner and follows an unconventional approach toward statistics. Created by multiple statistical teachers, this book is the perfect all-in-one tool to help you understand statistical discovery by using the freeware R.

With self-assessment tools and hundreds of examples, this book is perfect for students who are looking to enhance their statistical knowledge. Whether you need statistics for your next job or your next exam, this book will help you perform more effectively. 

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6. Think Stats by Allen B. Downey

Think Stats by Allen B. Downey

Think Stats is the perfect book for anyone involved in programming, teaching how to turn statistics into knowledge. Using tools of both probability and statistics, turning data into useful implications is necessary for success in a wide range of settings. This book helps you perform statistical analysis computationally rather than mathematically.

Downey allows the reader to work with an extensive case study throughout the book to learn the entire process of analyzing data. Along the way, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of crucial topics such as visualization, the rules of probability, and programs like Python. 

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7. The Art of Statistics: Learning from Data by David Spiegelhalter

The Art of Statistics: Learning from Data by David Spiegelhalter

While many understand that statistics plays a large role in our scientific understanding of the world, many do not know how to apply statistical knowledge. With the rise of big data, statistical literacy is more crucial than ever. In The Art of Statistics, Spiegelhalter explains how we can derive knowledge from data.

How many trees are there on the planet? Could that one serial killer be caught earlier? In The Art of Statistics, David Spiegelhalter explains how these questions can be answered through statistical knowledge. 

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8. Practical Statistics for Data Science by Andrew Bruce, Peter C. Bruce, and Peter Gedeck

Practical Statistics for Data Science by Andrew Bruce, Peter C. Bruce, and Peter Gedeck

In Practical Statistics, you’ll find over 50 essential concepts for using R and Python within data science. While statistical methods are a key factor within data science, few data scientists have formal statistical training. Luckily, this book was created to give data scientists all they need to master statistical knowledge.

If you’re looking to learn statistics and its implications within the field of data science, this is the book for you.

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9. Statistics Done Wrong by Alex Reinhart 

Statistics Done Wrong by Alex Reinhart

Scientific progress depends on useful research, and you cannot have useful research without good statistics. Therefore, statistical knowledge is a must-have for anyone looking to succeed in a scientific field. In Statistics Done Wrong, Alex Reinhart explains the implications of data within modern science. 

You’ll learn about the misconceptions of scientific politics that undermine the use of data and how to being your statistical journey right away. In this, Reinhart will teach you how to choose the right statistical analysis, how to think about p values, and which analytical software can help you do so. 

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10. Principles of Statistics by M. G. Bulmer

Principles of Statistics by M. G. Bulmer

In Principles of Statistics, you’ll find a concise description of classical statistics, including both basic dice probabilities and modern regression analysis. This book not only includes explanations of basic statistics, but questions and answers to help you put this knowledge to use. While this book isn’t for someone just starting out, it’s perfect for moderate to experienced learners in statistics seeking to enhance their knowledge.

If you’re looking to learn more about statistics and all its related theories, this is the book for you. You’ll be able to learn more about modern statistics and improve your knowledge along the way with interactive questions and answers.

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11. Statistical Rethinking by Richard McElreath

Statistical Rethinking by Richard McElreath

Statistical Rethinking is a Bayesian statistics course with examples in both R and Stan. This book is perfect for any reader looking to build their knowledge and confidence in relation to statistical modeling. In today’s model-based statistics, knowledge of data and programming is always a must-have. 

Not only does this book teach you Bayesian statistics, but it provides you with step-by-step calculations to help you gain an understanding of how to apply this knowledge. 

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Learning Statistics

In our modern world, the rise of new tech trends comes with the increasing importance of statistical knowledge. Reading up on the books above will allow you to enhance your knowledge of statistics and put this knowledge to use. Plus, after developing a solid understanding with one of these books, you could always continue your learning with a statistics course.

Whether you’re looking to improve your next business presentation or predict psychological trends, understanding the fundamentals of statistics is an essential first step. 

Andrew Green

Andrew is a successful entrepreneur and lifelong learner. Throughout his career, he has watched hundreds of online courses that have allowed him to achieve success in highly competitive fields such as online marketing, investing, and sales. Andrew is committed to expanding his knowledge and expertise and he reviews the premium courses he watches on his online blog.
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