This text is written for the introductory algebra-based course found in departments of mathematics and/or statistics. It provides students with a visual framework for understanding statistical concepts through the integral use of software. The software (bound in the book) consists of 40 computer graphics programs that offer simulations and demonstrations of virtually every concept encountered in an introductory statistics course. "Contemporary Statistics, A Computer Approach" makes statistics come alive in several ways: by allowing students to conduct statistical projects and analyze situations of interest to them; by incorporating the use of computer graphics throughout so that students can better understand the statistical ideas and methods; by using examples and situations throughout the book which pique the curiosity of students. Data has been used in the examples, applications and data sets whenever possible to demonstrate the usefulness of statistics in all aspects of modern life.
The problem sets have been constructed to provide carefully-graded exercises: Mastering the Techniques (mechanical practice to develop skills); Applying the Concepts (applying the mechanics to real-world problems); and Computer Applications (applications involving extensive computations and open-ended investigations). Minitab instructions and applications are integrated throughout in special Minitab Methods sections.