Praise for the First Edition:

"For a beginner [this book] is a treasure trove; for an
experienced person it can provide new ideas on how better to pursue
the subject of applied statistics."

--Journal of Quality Technology

Sensibly organized for quick reference, Statistical Rules of
Thumb, Second Edition compiles simple rules that are
widely applicable, robust, and elegant, and each captures key
statistical concepts. This unique guide to the use of statistics
for designing, conducting, and analyzing research studies
illustrates real-world statistical applications through examples
from fields such as public health and environmental studies. Along
with an insightful discussion of the reasoning behind every
technique, this easy-to-use handbook also conveys the various
possibilities statisticians must think of when designing and
conducting a study or analyzing its data.

Each chapter presents clearly defined rules related to
inference, covariation, experimental design, consultation, and data
representation, and each rule is organized and discussed under five
succinct headings: introduction; statement and illustration of the
rule; the derivation of the rule; a concluding discussion; and
exploration of the concept's extensions. The author also introduces
new rules of thumb for topics such as sample size for ratio
analysis, absolute and relative risk, ANCOVA cautions, and
dichotomization of continuous variables. Additional features of the
Second Edition include:

* Additional rules on Bayesian topics

* New chapters on observational studies and Evidence-Based
Medicine (EBM)

* Additional emphasis on variation and causation

* Updated material with new references, examples, and sources

A related Web site provides a rich learning environment and
contains additional rules, presentations by the author, and a
message board where readers can share their own strategies and
discoveries. Statistical Rules of Thumb, Second
Edition is an ideal supplementary book for courses in
experimental design and survey research methods at the
upper-undergraduate and graduate levels. It also serves as an
indispensable reference for statisticians, researchers,
consultants, and scientists who would like to develop an
understanding of the statistical foundations of their research
efforts. A related website www.vanbelle.org provides additional
rules, author presentations and more.

"For a beginner [this book] is a treasure trove; for an experienced person it can provide new ideas on how better to pursue the subject of applied statistics."
Journal of Quality Technology

Sensibly organized for quick reference, Statistical Rules of Thumb, Second Edition compiles simple rules that are widely applicable, robust, and elegant, and each captures key statistical concepts. This unique guide to the use of statistics for designing, conducting, and analyzing research studies illustrates real-world statistical applications through examples from fields such as public health and environmental studies. Along with an insightful discussion of the reasoning behind every technique, this easy-to-use handbook also conveys the various possibilities statisticians must think of when designing and conducting a study or analyzing its data.

Each chapter presents clearly defined rules related to inference, covariation, experimental design, consultation, and data representation, and each rule is organized and discussed under five succinct headings: introduction; statement and illustration of the rule; the derivation of the rule; a concluding discussion; and exploration of the concept's extensions. The author also introduces new rules of thumb for topics such as sample size for ratio analysis, absolute and relative risk, ANCOVA cautions, and dichotomization of continuous variables. Additional features of the Second Edition include:

• Additional rules on Bayesian topics

• New chapters on observational studies and Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM)

• Additional emphasis on variation and causation

• Updated material with new references, examples, and sources

A related Web site provides a rich learning environment and contains additional rules, presentations by the author, and a message board where readers can share their own strategies and discoveries. Statistical Rules of Thumb, Second Edition is an ideal supplementary book for courses in experimental design and survey research methods at the upper-undergraduate and graduate levels. It also serves as an indispensable reference for statisticians, researchers, consultants, and scientists who would like to develop an understanding of the statistical foundations of their research efforts. A related website www.vanbelle.org provides additional rules, author presentations and more.

Preface to the First Edition.

Acronyms.

1. The Basics.

1.1 Four Basic Questions.

1.2 Observation is Selection.

1.3 Replicate to Characterize Variability.

1.4 Variability Occurs at Multiple Levels.

1.5 Invalid Selection is the Primary Threat to Valid Inference.

1.6 There is Variation in Strength of Inference.

1.7 Distinguish Randomized and Observational Studies.

1.8 Beware of Linear Models.

1.9 Keep Models As Simple As Possible, But Not More Simple.

1.10 Understand Omnibus Quantities.

1.11 Do Not Multiply Probabilities More Than Necessary.

1.12 Use Two-sided p-Values.

1.13 p-Values for Sample Size, Confidence Intervals for Results.

1.14 At Least Twelve Observations for a Confidence Interval.

1.15 Estimate ± Two Standard Errors is Remarkably Robust.

1.16 Know the Unit of the Variable.

1.17 Be Flexible About Scale of Measurement Determining Analysis.

1.18 Be Eclectic and Ecumenical in Influence.

2. Sample Size.

2.1 Begin with a Basic Formula for Sample Size-Lehr's Equation.

2.2 Calculating Sample Size Using the Coefficient of Variation.

2.3 No Finite Population Correction for Survey Sample Size.

2.4 Standard Deviation and Sample Range.

2.5 Do Not Formulate a Study Solely in Terms of Effect Size.

2.6 Overlapping Confidence Intervals Do Not Imply Nonsignificance.

2.7 Sample Size Calculation for the Poisson Distribution.

2.8 Sample Size for Poisson with Background Rate.

2.9 Sample Size Calculation for the Binomial Distribution.

2.10 When Unequal Sample Sizes Matters; When They Don't.

2.11 Sample Size With Different Costs for the Two Samples.

2.12 The Rule of Threes for 95% Upper Bounds When There Are No Events.

2.13 Sample Size Calculations Are Determined by the Analysis.

3. Observational Studies.

3.1 The Model for an Observational Study is the Sample Survey.

3.2 Large Sample Size Does Not Guarantee Validity.

3.3 Good Observational Studies Are Designed.

3.4 To Establish …