Thoughts on "Weighing the Odds" by David Williams?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the textbook "Weighing the Odds: A Course in Probability and Statistics" by David Williams, with participants sharing their thoughts on its suitability as an undergraduate text for learning probability and statistics. The conversation includes inquiries about the book's comprehensiveness and suggestions for supplementary materials or alternative texts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in using "Weighing the Odds" for learning probability/statistics and questions whether the book is lacking, particularly in the number of problems provided.
  • Another participant suggests that the standard textbook for this subject is "An Introduction In Probability" by Ross, implying it may be a better option.
  • A third participant recommends a new textbook by David Morin, noting its affordability and the inclusion of a large number of problems with solutions, which they find appealing based on Morin's previous works.
  • The original poster acknowledges the input received and mentions that their upcoming class closely follows the Williams text, indicating a desire to know if additional resources might be necessary.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the suitability of "Weighing the Odds," with some suggesting alternative texts and expressing uncertainty about its popularity and effectiveness.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of detailed feedback on the specific content of "Weighing the Odds," and the discussion does not clarify the extent to which the suggested alternatives might address the perceived shortcomings of Williams' text.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering textbooks for undergraduate courses in probability and statistics, particularly those looking for recommendations or insights based on peer experiences.

TheCanadian
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https://www.amazon.com/dp/052100618X/?tag=pfamazon01-20

The full title is: Weighing the Odds: A Course in Probability and Statistics

I was interested in using this book as an undergraduate text for learning probability/statistics. I am almost completed my BSc in Physics and have taken other math courses (e.g. multivariable calculus, complex variables, PDE) and have been introduced to basic probability/statistics. Is this text lacking in any way? I've heard it could use more problems—do you have any suggestions this (i.e. problem database with solutions)?

Any further recommendations after this book?
 
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Never seen this textbook, but the standard is Ross: An Introduction In Probability.
 
There's a new one from David Morin that is relatively inexpensive and that I have high hopes for:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1523318678/?tag=pfamazon01-20

A hallmark of Morin's 2 other texts (Classical Mechanics and his update to Purcell's Electricity and Magnetism) is that he incorporates a large number of problems with solutions.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
ibkev said:
There's a new one from David Morin that is relatively inexpensive and that I have high hopes for:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1523318678/?tag=pfamazon01-20

A hallmark of Morin's 2 other texts (Classical Mechanics and his update to Purcell's Electricity and Magnetism) is that he incorporates a large number of problems with solutions.

MidgetDwarf said:
Never seen this textbook, but the standard is Ross: An Introduction In Probability.

Thank you both for your input. A class I will be taking soon follows the text I mentioned above very closely, which is why I was asking about it. Knowing ahead of time if it is necessary to supplement my linked textbook with other materials based on others' experiences would have been nice, although it doesn't seem like a very popular book haha.
 
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