Statistical Tables

If you have Sokal and Rohlf's Biometry book it pays to get these tables. They are referenced throughout the book and it is convenient to have them to do most of the problems. One thing to watch out for is to make sure that the edition of the tables matches the edition of the text. I have the second edition of the book and the third edition of the tables. The authors removed eight tables in the third edition and instead of using the numbering system of the second edition, they switched to letters floowed by double letters after they ran through the alphabet. There are many useful tables and explanations are given, so they can be used independently of the text. However, if you get the text you will want the tables. The tables are referenced in numerous interesting and instructive examples in the text. In the Preface to the Second Edition the authors say that the tables are there for pedigogical reasons only and they chose not to include them in the text because in these days pocket calculators can often be used as replacements for tables. Nevertheless without realizing it the reader does become dependent on these tables to get a full understanding of the examples. If you get the book get the tables also. If you just want to have a reference set of statistical tables they are useful but I much prefer the "Pocket Book of Statistical Tables" by Odeh and Owens.