Working With Numbers and Statistics - A Handbook for Journalists (Hardcover)

Working With Numbers and Statistics: A Handbook for Journalists is designed to bolster the journalists' math skills and in turn improve math confidence. the goal of improving journalistic writing and reporting, by enabling journalists to: *make accurate, reliable computations, which in turn enables one to make relevant comparisons, put facts into perspective, and lend important context to stories; *recognize inaccurate presentations, whether willfully spun or just carelessly relayed; *ask appropriate questions about numerical matters; *translate complicated numbers for viewers and readers in ways they can readily understand; *understand computer-assisted reporting; and *write livelier, more precise pieces through the use of numbers. This resource book starts with math basics, including descriptive statistics--the mathematical procedures people use to summarize vast amounts of data. draw conclusions from the initial statistical findings. At the end of every section, the math is presented in a more journalistic context so journalists can see how the procedures are more likely to come into play in their work. Working With Numbers and Statistics is designed as a reference work for journalism students developing their writing and reporting skills, and will also serve professionals well to improve their understanding and use of numbers in news stories.