What is StatsRef?
StatsRef is a free, web-based statistical analysis resource. It provides a comprehensive guide to statistical concepts, methods and tools, with many examples being provided using a variety of software tools such as R, MATLab and SPSS to clarify the concepts discussed. It aims to be comprehensive in terms of concepts and techniques (but not necessarily exhaustive), representative and independent in terms of software tools, and above all practical in terms of application and implementation.
Click here for the free StatsRef Handbook Online
Who is StatsRef for?
Undergraduates and Postgraduates studying statistics and statistical analysis as a component of their specific discipline (e.g. social sciences, earth sciences, life sciences, engineers), and for Professional research scientists. Students studying for academic or professional qualifications in statistics will find that the level and content adopted is that of the former Courses of the Royal Statistical Society (RSS). Course Tutors and Charity professionals can request a free copy of the special PDF version via this link or the menu item above. Please provide course details and a link to the relevant course page or charity, as appropriate.
StatsRef Handbook - preview (100 page PDF)
RSS/ICCA Statistics Guide for Advocates (76 page PDF)
New free online book/website covering Bayesian Statistics
Statistics, Data and Covid - 10 Key Lessons (13 page PDF)
Scientists rise up against statistical significance, Nature Magazine
Understanding the relationship between probability distributions - interactive graphic
Understanding Mathematics in the Digital Age - preview (PDF)
This free website and service is funded with the assistance of sales of the downloadable special PDF (printable and non-printable) versions of the Handbook. Hard copies of the Handbook are now available or may be printed from the appropriate downloadable special PDF. These versions and related publications may be ordered here
Graphic: Polar bubble scatterplot - MatPlotLib gallery
See: Statsref topic - Graphics and Visualization
Graphic: Ozone hole, Oct 2010-2012 - NASA Ozone Watch
See: Statsref topic - Misuse and Abuse of Statistics
"Statistics is: the fun of finding patterns in data; the pleasure of making discoveries; the import of deep philosophical questions; the power to shed light on important decisions and the ability to guide decisions..... in business, science, government, medicine, and industry... "
Professor David Hand, Past President, Royal Statistical Society
Please also see our companion "Geospatial Analysis" free web-based resource, www.spatialanalysisonline.com
Timeline of Statistics
The history of statistics extends back to Greek and Roman times, but mathematically rigorous formulations date from the late 17th century. Julian Champkin, Editor of the RSS/ASA Significance Magazine in 2014, produced a very useful Timeline poster - click the image to view a large format PDF poster
