Designed for students with a background in basic algebra, this best-selling introduction to business statistics emphasizes inference; data collection and analysis are covered extensively, as needed, to evaluate the reported results of statistical studies and to make good business decisions. The authors stress the development of statistical thinking—the assessment of credibility and value of the inferences made from data—both by those who consume and those who produce the information. Numerous case studies, examples, and exercises all draw on real business situations and recent economic events.