A timely and refreshing take on a pillar of our democracystatistics. Mark Prell makes the topic easily understandable through his use of everyday examples. It is the perfect response to those who wonder why it is important to understand statistical methods and findings in our lives. A wonderful primer for anyone who would like to make better decisions and sort through the avalanche of poorly designed studies and misinformation that makes up much of today's online content. -- Nancy Potok, Former Chief Statistician of the United States If you work with data, analyze information, or make evidence-based decisions, this book will make you better at doing so. The tools are all here, sure, but I think the big payoff is a sharpened perspective on what statistics are telling us, or not. -- Leidy Klotz, author of Subtract A terrific way to learn aboutor teachthe fundamental, counterintuitive concepts of probability and statistics. Prell grounds his explanations in fascinating real-world examples that show how statistical concepts workand why they are so often misunderstood. -- Robyn Arianrhod, author of Vector A masterful introduction to statistics that reveals why we need good-quality data and what can go wrong when we dont have it. Part story of statistics, part life manual, What Are the Odds? is an inspiring and motivational guide not just to harnessing the power of data but to doing so responsibly. -- Parke Wilde, food economist and Professor at Tufts University With fresh insights and perspective, Prell helps readers apply statistical thinking to navigate today's welter of information and data. A persuasive argument that its not enough to interrogate statistical methodswe must interrogate the data itself. -- Steve Pierson, Director of Science Policy, American Statistical Association What Are the Odds? reminds us that good statistics require more than clever modelsthey require a culture grounded in honesty and mutual respect. Prell makes an unflinching case that such values are not niceties of science but its lifeblood. -- Jing Cao, Professor and Chair, Department of Statistics and Data Science, Southern Methodist University, and formerly Chair of the American Statistical Association Committee on Professional Ethics
