Statistical Methods for Engineers

For a gentler introduction to stats, I recommend Phillip's "How to Think About Statistics".


Engineering statistics   September 30, 2008
Drayton E. Graham
0 out of 4 found this review helpful

the book was in very good condition when i got it. it was like someone bought it and then decided to sell it. and i got it only a day or two after i ordered it. Very good.


Horrible   August 13, 2008
Math Geek
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I must reiterate everything in Jamie Davey's review, and add a few of my own comments. I've had to teach from this book four times now, and I grow more irate with it every time. There is absolutely no diversity in the types of homework exercises it has. Within every section, every single problem takes the exact same form, only different words and numbers describing the situation. I've resorted to referring my class to other textbooks and taking a large number of examples and homework problems from this book's competitors. To add insult to injury, the solutions manual (both the instructor's CD and the solution in the back of the text) are replete with errors, which has caused a countless number of headaches. The only good thing I can think about this book is it is relatively thin, reducing the number of trees sacrificed to make this product.


Disappointed on many levels   March 23, 2000
Jamie Davey (CANADA)
13 out of 17 found this review helpful

The book clearly fails to converse any information to the reader. Further, it also fails to relate topics from one chapter to another. I would not recommend this text to anyone who has basic, or even general, understanding of statistical methods. Please allow me to explain.

I am a student in engineering at the University of Ottawa. The class has been using the text for this semester and several previous semesters. To be quite blunt, the class averages have been well below satisfactory. I think the general lesson students have learned from this course is how and when a "bell" curve is implemented during course grading.

More Importantly, the text clearly fails to relate one idea to another. For example, in chapter two, the text introduces different data displays. The author fails to identify how these different displays are related, what is unique about each specific data display, and when to use a specific display. More over, in chapter three, Modeling Random Behavior, the author begins with an introduction to probability. He then introduces random variables but fails to clearly define and explain the different types of random variables. Next, the normal distribution is discussed. The author again fails to make the relationship between the normal distribution and random variables. Overall, the text poorly relates topics to one and other.

Additionally, problem examples are too short and lack clarity. Throughout the text, many practical examples are compiled into case studies. The problem is clearly identified, however, the solution is short, poorly justified, and not well explained. In general, it becomes very frustrating for a student attempting practice questions at the end of each section. Obviously, if the author successfully communicated the idea to the reader, the question would be logical and easy. The terminology "for engineers" used in the title of the text implies, in my opinion, that the ideas in the text are logically explained and clearly defined. Unfortunately, short examples that lack clarity prevent the reader from understanding the material logically.

In conclusion, if you must purchase this text, I would recommend a used copy. It's not worth the paper its printed on. The text fails to relate ideas together and does not have any detailed examples. Clearly, reading this book is about as enlightening as watching toilette flush.

Your in continuing disappointment,