Statistics provides tools and strategies for the analysis of data. While much has been written about the methodology, sometimes without reference to data, little has been said about the data. In this volume we present sets of data obtained from many situations without any direct reference to a particular type of analysis. Our view of the usefulness of bringing together a broad collection of sets of data has been shared by many friends and contributors. Students of statistics need to gain facility with their art by applying their knowledge to many sets of data. Textbook examples tend to be small and selected primarily to illustrate a particular technique, thus failing to demonstrate the questioning, iterative nature of statistical analysis. The situations which gave rise to the more extensive sets of data given in this volume are colourful and interesting, and can be readily understood by laymen, students and research workers with diverse interests. These sets were often chosen for their perverse reluctance to yield under the naive application of standard procedures. They do not have correct solutions. They describe situations where the statisti cian can develop skills and learn the limitations of statistical methods."

Because estimation involves inferring information about an unknown quantity on the basis of available data, the selection of an estimator is influenced by its ability to perform well under the conditions that are assumed to underlie the data. Since these conditions are never known exactly, the estimators chosen must be robust; i.e., they must be able to perform well under a variety of underlying conditions. The theory of robust estimation is based on specified properties of specified estimators under specified conditions. This book was written as the result of a study undertaken to establish the interaction of these three components over as large a range as possible. Originally published in 1972. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

Because estimation involves inferring information about an unknown quantity on the basis of available data, the selection of an estimator is influenced by its ability to perform well under the conditions that are assumed to underlie the data. Since these conditions are never known exactly, the estimators chosen must be robust; i.e., they must be able to perform well under a variety of underlying conditions. The theory of robust estimation is based on specified properties of specified estimators under specified conditions. This book was written as the result of a study undertaken to establish the interaction of these three components over as large a range as possible. Originally published in 1972. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.