David Salsburg

This thought-provoking book discusses the use of statistics in randomized clinical trials. Its aim is two-fold: firstly, it presents a clear account of the design and analysis of experiments in this setting which stresses the foundational issues involved. Secondly, the book seeks to develop the specific tools of analysis which can be derived from Neyman's model of restricted tests. The book is based on the author's many years of experience of clinical trials. Throughout, examples are used from a variety of types of study. As a result, all statisticians and research scientists who work on clinical trials will find this presentation clear and accessible, and very relevant to their own research interests.

We live in a world that is not quite 'right'. The central tenet of statistical inquiry is that Observation = Truth + Error because even the most careful of scientific investigations have always been bedevilled by uncertainty. Our attempts to measure things are plagued with small errors. Our attempts to understand our world are blocked by blunders. And, unfortunately, in some cases, people have been known to lie. In this follow-up to his acclaimed best-seller, The Lady Tasting Tea, David Salsburg opens a door to the widespread use of statistical methods by looking at historical examples of errors, blunders and lies from areas as diverse as archaeology, law, economics, medicine, psychology, sociology, Biblical studies, history, and war-time espionage. In doing so, he shows how, upon closer statistical investigation, errors and blunders often lead to useful information. And how statistical methods have been used to uncover falsified data. Beginning with Edmund Halley's examination of the Transit of Venus and ending with discussions of how many tanks Rommel had during the Second World War and whether modern African censuses contain falsified data, the author invites the reader to come along on this easily-accessible and fascinating journey of how to identify the nature of errors, minimize the effects of blunders, and figure out who the liars are.

Discusses how statistics have changed the field of science in the twentieth century, focusing on the theories and ideas of famous scientists and thinkers.