Introduction to Statistics for Forensic Scientists is an essential introduction to the subject, gently guiding the reader through the key statistical techniques used to evaluate various types of forensic evidence. Assuming only a modest mathematical background, the book uses real-life examples from the forensic science literature and forensic case-work to illustrate relevant statistical concepts and methods.Opening with a brief overview of the history and use of statistics within forensic science, the text then goes on to introduce statistical techniques commonly used to examine data obtained during laboratory experiments. There is a strong emphasis on the evaluation of scientific observation as evidence and modern Bayesian approaches to interpreting forensic data for the courts. The analysis of key forms of evidence are discussed throughout with a particular focus on DNA, fibres and glass.An invaluable introduction to the statistical interpretation of forensic evidence; this book will be invaluable for all undergraduates taking courses in forensic science.
Forced learning, or "hot-housing", of infants has become increasingly popular in recent years - but does it work? The plasticity of the adolescent and adult brain is becoming gradually acknowledged by brain scientists. What does this say about lifelong learning? In this groundbreaking book, two scientists take stock of what is now known about how and when the brain learns, and consider the implications of this knowledge for educational policy and practice.
This fascinating book assembles human stories about physicists and
mathematicians. Remarkably, these stories cluster around some general
themes having to do with the interaction between scientists, and with
the impact of historic events such as the advent of fascism and
communism in the twentieth century on scientists behavior. Briefly, but
lucidly, some of the beautiful science that brought these scientists
together in the first place is explained.
For working scientists, especially in high-tech fields, there are
only a few crucial nonjournal periodicals to pore over faithfully, and
Scientific American is one of them--its timely and technical features
on everything from paleoarchaeology to neural nets set it apart from
popular science magazines like Discover. Scientific American emphasizes
a wide variety of emerging technologies, giving scientists a chance to
keep up in an increasingly specialized professional world. Innovative
and controversial developments such as gene patenting and the latest
from the unified field gurus are front and center in every issue. It's
not all business, though--regular features like Michael Shermer's
"Skeptic" column, enticing book reviews, brain-busting puzzles, and
James Burke's intellectual-historical meanderings add browsability to
this enduring magazine, in business reporting the frontiers of
scientific exploration for more than 150 years.
