David Freedman

"Statistical Models is a textbook that explains the things you have to know in order to read empirical papers in the social and health sciences, as well as techniques you need to build statistical models of your own." "The author, David A. Freedman, explains the basic ideas of association and regression, and takes you through the current models that link these ideas to causality. He focuses on applications of linear models, including generalized least squares and two-stage least squares, with probits and logits for binary variables." "Target audiences include undergraduates and beginning graduate students in statistics, as well as students and professionals in the social and health sciences. The discussion in the book is organized around published studies, as are many of the exercises. Relevant journal articles are reprinted at the back of the book."--Jacket.

"David A. Freedman presents here a definitive synthesis of his approach to causal inference in the social sciences. He explores the foundations and limitations of statistical modeling, illustrating basic arguments with examples from political science, public policy, law, and epidemiology. Freedman maintains that many new technical approaches to statistical modeling constitute not progress, but regress. Instead, he advocates a 'shoe leather' methodology, which exploits natural variation to mitigate confounding and relies on intimate knowledge of the subject matter to develop meticulous research designs and eliminate rival explanations. When Freedman first enunciated this position, he was met with scepticism, in part because it was hard to believe that a mathematical statistician of his stature would favor 'low-tech' approaches. But the tide is turning. Many social scientists now agree that statistical technique cannot substitute for good research design and subject matter knowledge. This book offers an integrated presentation of Freedman's views"--Provided by publisher.

A team of international experts examines all aspects of travel medicine-from immunizations and pre-travel advice for adults and children to the essentials of post-travel screening. Over 530 illustrations (and algorithms) facilitate understanding of key concepts and provide quick access to essential information. A CD-ROM-included with the book-presents all of the full-color illustrations from the text in a downloadable PowerPoint(r) format, as well as electronic versions of patient guidelines and patient forms.