This text explores the basic principles of probability and inferential statistics, illustrated with current data from general and scientific journals. Using applications and exercises from a wide variety of disciplines, Blaisdell guides students to develop an awareness and appreciation for the role of statistics in their environment. Integration of MINITAB(tm) for Microsoft(r) Windows helps students analyze, evaluate, and comprehend statistical information, with each command explained at its first use in an application. Each set of commands is accompanied by a marginal box containing optional instructions for using menus and dialog boxes. Because not all students have access to MINITAB, it has been incorporated into the text in a manner that affords an instructor considerable flexibility concerning its usage in the course.