Book excerpt: A visually intuitive approach to statistical data analysis Visual Statistics brings the most complex and advanced statistical methods within reach of those with little statistical training by using animated graphics of the data. Using ViSta: The Visual Statistics System-developed by Forrest Young and Pedro Valero-Mora and available free of charge on the Internet-students can easily create fully interactive visualizations from relevant mathematical statistics, promoting perceptual and cognitive understanding of the data's story. An emphasis is placed on a paradigm for understanding data that is visual, intuitive, geometric, and active, rather than one that relies on convoluted logic, heavy mathematics, systems of algebraic equations, or passive acceptance of results. A companion Web site complements the book by further demonstrating the concept of creating interactive and dynamic graphics. The book provides users with the opportunity to view the graphics in a dynamic way by illustrating how to analyze statistical data and explore the concepts of visual statistics. Visual Statistics addresses and features the following topics: * Why use dynamic graphics? * A history of statistical graphics * Visual statistics and the graphical user interface * Visual statistics and the scientific method * Character-based statistical interface objects * Graphics-based statistical interfaces * Visualization for exploring univariate data This is an excellent textbook for undergraduate courses in data analysis and regression, for students majoring or minoring in statistics, mathematics, science, engineering, and computer science, as well as for graduate-level courses in mathematics. The book is also ideal as a reference/self-study guide for engineers, scientists, and mathematicians. With contributions by highly regarded professionals in the field, Visual Statistics not only improves a student's understanding of statistics, but also builds confidence to overcome problems that may have previously been intimidating.