Average customer rating:
- Fantastic book!
- Stats and Andy Field
- Easy Read and Comprehensive too
- Outstanding Source for SPSS
- Better than any graduate level statistics course I have taken
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Discovering Statistics Using SPSS (Introducing Statistical Methods S.) (2nd Edition)
Andy Field
Manufacturer: Sage Publications Ltd
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ASIN: 0761944524 |
Book Description
Get the Statistics Book That's Sweeping the Nation!
Appropriate for All Levels--Undergraduate to Doctorate Programs in Every Discipline!
This new edition of Field's bestselling textbook provides students of statistical methods with everything they need to understand, use and report statistics - at every level. Written in Andy Field's vivid and entertaining style, and furnished with playful examples from everyday student life (among other places), the book forms an accessible gateway into the often intimidating world of statistics and a unique opportunity for students to ground their knowledge of statistics through the use of SPSS. The text is fully compliant with the latest release of SPSS (version 13).
Key updates in
Second Edition:
- More coverage with completely new material on non-parametric statistics, loglinear analysis, effect sizes and how to report statistical analysis
- Even more student-friendly features, including a glossary of key statistical terms and exercises at the end of chapters for students to work through, with datasets and answers to chapter exercises on the accompanying CD-ROM
- A larger and more easy-to-reference format: notation in each section identifies the intended level of study while the new 2-color text design enhances the features in the book and, together with the larger format, provides extra clarity throughout
- A companion website is available at
www.sagepub.co.uk/field, containing resources for both students and instructors: a testbank of MCQs for students to test their own knowledge; online glossary in flash card format; multiple choice questions and answers to use for class assessment – available on restricted access basis to instructors via entry password; and PowerPoint Slides of all formatted artwork in the textbook for instructors to include in their own lecture slides.
Andy Field is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at The University of Sussex, U.K. where his success in making statistics accessible was recognized with a teaching award in 2001.
"The Second Edition of Andy Field's
Discovering Statistics Using SPSS is an excellent book and a valuable addition to the teaching of statistics in the behavioral sciences. The title of the book accurately reflects the approach taken. This is not simply a primer on how to use SPSS, but is a very good statistics text using SPSS as a vehicle for illustrating and expanding on the statistical content of the book. At the same time it also serves as a manual for SPSS, and has taught me things that I had not known about the software. I find this flexible approach to the blending of content and software to be an effective way of teaching the material. It is impossible to review this book without commenting on Andy's particular style. I enjoyed it immensely and think that it would appeal to both students and their instructors. It is refreshing to see someone who doesn't take himself too seriously."
-- David C Howell, Professor Emeritus,
University of Vermont
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic book!.......2007-09-30
I could not have lived through my dissertation without this book. It finally helped me to conceptually understand statistics.
Also,(many of) his jokes are belly-busting funny. I used one humorous musing in my oral defense about Fisher's alpha levels:"I wonder how different my career would be if Fisher had woken up that day in 90% type of mood."
Stats and Andy Field.......2007-08-19
Andy's book is an excellent aid in learning statistics. If you want the executive summary (aka cliff notes), Andy provides sections where you can get a quick overview of a specific test. If you want the details, Andy provides those also in his book.
I used his book to help me in my doctoral quest, when I was in my second statistics class as a supplemental text. However, it is of a quality that any person seeking to learn more about stats will come away with knowledge of how stats can help us know more about the world in which we live.
Easy Read and Comprehensive too.......2007-08-04
In my job, I often train others how to use SPSS. This book comes up in conversation a lot. It is outstanding. I have come to the conclusion that if a serious user of SPSS's statistical features is to get only one reference; this is it. Something I have noticed is that when I meet someone that has spent time with the book, the are invariably quite good at SPSS. Even if they may not have mastered all the techniques in this large book, they know their stuff.
The Pallant book SPSS Survival Manual, which I have also reviewed, is designed to help survive a first course (and presumably last) in basic statistics. The Field book, however, could be revisited again and again, each time reaching a deeper understanding.
I already know the statistics in this book well, so I can't claim that this book has taught me the basics, but it simultaneously covers all the major topics of interest while keeping it as simple as possible. I wish I had existed earlier in my career. The main advantage to users of SPSS is that all of the examples are SPSS examples. However, make no mistake, this is a serious introduction to statistics, not merely a point and click guide. It is not current with version 15.0, but I don't think this is a major strike against it, given the excellent review of theory. If, however, you really need to keep up on the current features like I do, you will want to consider books in addition this one. Consider one or more of the three Norusis books depending on your level and needs.
Outstanding Source for SPSS.......2007-07-15
This is one of the best statistics and SPSS guidebooks that I have seen. I believe that it can be very useful for novice to expert. It is both technical and conceptual and can function as a textbook for statistics as well as an operational handbook for navigating through SPSS. Although it is based on SPSS 13.0, I have found it to be quite applicable to the SPSS version 15.0 that I am using. This book is an invaluable source for the completion of my doctoral dissertation and I would highly recommend it for the student or advanced statistician! B. Cliff, PhD Candidate, Western Michigan University
Better than any graduate level statistics course I have taken.......2007-06-14
I am a 4th year PhD student and wish I had discovered this book earlier. It is far better than any of the graduate level statistics course I have taken, and definitely better than any of the textbooks I have seen. In fact, I have thrown out all my other statistics textbooks - this is the only one I need. Aside from explaining the theory in an easy to understand way, Andy Field provides the practical aspect that no other texts or courses do (or, if they do, they fail to link it to the theory). Field shows you how to use SPSS to implement the theory in an easy, step by step way; he even tells you how to report the results in APA format. Don't waste your money on any other statistics textbooks!
Book Description
STATISTICAL SLEUTH is an innovative treatment of general statistical methods, taking full advantage of the computer, both as a computational and an analytical tool. The material is independent of any specific software package. In "The American Statistician" (February 2000, Vol. 54, No. 1), George Cobb commented, "What is new and different about Ramsey and Schafer's book, what makes it a 'larger contribution,' is that it gives much more prominence to modeling and interpretation of the sort that goes beyond the routine patterns." His students did "substantially better" on term papers based on the analysis of data. In the book, the focus is on a serious analysis of real case studies; on strategies and tools of modern statistical data analysis; on the interplay of statistics and scientific learning; and on the communication of results. With interesting examples, real data, and a variety of exercise types (conceptual, computational, and data problems), the authors get readers excited about statistics.
Customer Reviews:
Good concept, more care needed with datasets.......2006-09-06
I have taught using this text 5 times now. I like the concept very much. My goals are to teach the students how to choose appropriate statistical tests and how to write up their results professionally. I very much like the concept of "project" exercises with real data sets.
Unfortunately, many of the datasets contain faulty data. I doubt that I have a full list of example, but Chapter 2, Problem 23 supposedly contains percent change in fatalities in states that retained and did not retain 55 mile per hour speed limits between 1995 and 1996. Unfortunately, the data reported have nothing in common with the real data. For instance, there were 87 fatalities in Alaska in 1995 and 81 in 1996 leading to a 7% decrease. The number used in the text is a 29% decrease. Other examples include Chapter 8, Problem 20 which is admittedly an approximation but the authors did not read the scale on the New York Times graphic correctly which places the supposed outlier rather differently than if the correct scale for the data is used. In Chapter 11, problem 24, there is an excessively heavy grasshopper mouse among other errant species weights.
The concept is great, a few data entry errors can be an effective learning tool, but too many blatantly incorrect datasets that lead to conclusions diametrically opposed to the real data seems sloppy to me.
Excellent survey and introduction to statistics.......2006-08-28
I have read more than 100 statistical texts on various subjects. This book is one of the best I've ever seen. It is extremely clear, well-organized, consistent in methodology and well-typeset. The use of well-documented case studies to illustrate every concept makes eclectic reading easy. The book also attempts to answer common trade-offs and philosophical points clearly. If I were teaching statistics, I'd use this text somewhere at the junior year level. I'd highly recommend it as a quick reference to anyone working with and familiar with statistics. It's very useful for a quick conceptual and practical overview.
Excellent resource for the non-specialist practitioner.......2004-11-03
During my professional life I was several times in the situation of having to do statistical analysis of some data. I also saw other colleagues struggle with the same situation and it seems that for someone without a formal training in statistics and a lot of practical experience this is a strange mixture of technical know-how, guess-work and pure superstition.
This is the book I've been looking for for years now, to learn how to do the job with a reasonable understanding of the choices involved and the assumptions that are made when using this or that tool. It is a wonderfully practical and clear exposition of the methods that are likely to be used by a practitioner to answer practical questions with the help of data - and definitely helps to avoid the uneasy feeling of having to apply some tool without really knowing what is going on.
Crappy book.......2004-07-16
Horrible, solution manual is a joke. I could have written a better book than this piece of garbage.
Great Intro Level Statistics Book.......2002-10-30
This is a great introductory statistics book, for students who are taking beginning level stats courses. The examples are cleary laid out and it's not too heavy on the theory.
Book Description
Robert J. Lang, one of the world's foremost origami artists and scientists, presents the never-before-described mathematical and geometric principles that allow anyone to design original origami, something once restricted to an elite few. From the theoretical underpinnings to detailed step-by-step folding sequences, this book takes a modern look at the heart of the centuries-old art of origami.
Origami novices will appreciate the organization of the book, which begins with easy techniques and progresses to deep and powerful tools for design, all based on simple, intuitive concepts like grafting, circle packing, and assembly of tiles.
Both novices and aficionados will find detailed, step-by-step instructions for previously unpublished models, including the famous "Black Forest Cuckoo Clock."
Customer Reviews:
Not an origami recipe book.......2006-01-13
Dr. Lang delves into the hows and whys of origami design exploring origami the way Alton Brown explores food and cooking.
The instructions for creating beautifully made koi decorating the cover are not included in their entirety, notably excluding the sequence for creating the scales. Instead, Lang describes the principles and techniques for creating textures on paper, leaving the creation of the fish as an exercise for the reader.
If you're looking for a recipe book for cool origami designs, then this is not the book for you. Rather, this book is for anyone curious about just how the heck someone makes a cuckoo clock out of one uncut sheet of paper.
A truly incredible book!.......2005-09-28
By far and away the most comprehensive book on origami design and theory that I have every seen. There are thousands of books containing origami models, but few, if any, actually take the time to explain how the models were created in the first place. If Robert Lang didn't already hold a Ph.D., this book could serve as a dissertation. In addition to the theory and concepts of origami model design, this book also contains excellent models that demonstrate the principles covered in each chapter. I have always enjoyed folding Robert Lang's models in the past. They are challenging and extremely rewarding. I am a very good techincal folder but I could never really create my own models. This book has started me on my own path towards creating my own origami models to fold. While this book certainly could be useful to beginning origami folders, it best serves intermediate to advanced enthusiasts.
A great origami book.......2005-09-28
This is one of the best origami books ever written. Robert Lang is known for producing complex origami models and here he teaches the mathematical thought process behind the creation of these pieces. The book contains a number of chapters covering different methods of producing particular types of origami works and then each chapter ends with a series of advanced origami models for you to make with complete diagrammatical instructions.
The book is a wonderful instruction manual on how to create original origami designs but it also includes many sets of instructions for origami models which have never before been published. The exquisite Koi carp on the front cover (which I have seen in real life) is included as is the frog, and the infamous Black Forest Cuckoo Clock instructions are included at the end of the book. Don't try to make these pieces with ordinary paper - you will want to use very fine bank weight paper, tissue foil or wet folding with Canson or Elephant Hide paper to get good results.
This volume is an essential addition to any paperfolder's bookshelf and will provide many hours of interesting reading and wonderful models to fold.
The one book that every origami fan MUST have!.......2004-12-08
Robert Lang's book is one of the most amazing origami books I have ever seen. Disregard the higher than normal price for the book, it is worth every penny.
People who are simply interested in folding models will be delighted by the awe-inspiring Black Forest Cuckoo Clock and the collection of turtles (complete with shell designs). Other models include birds, a moose, a train, a valentine heart, and many, many others...all out of one sheet of paper with no cutting.
The books real value, however, is its wonderful discussion of the origami design process. Lang breaks down many different aspects and techniques of design into understandable bites. Personally, I enjoyed the mathematical discussions throughout, especially the tree theory section.
The bottom line: (out of 10)
---------------
Model Value:
9 (not a book entirely of models, but the models that are contained are gorgeous)
Instruction Clarity:
9 (excellent considering how complicated the models are)
Difficulty:
10 (even origami pros will be challenged by the clock and the tiling of the fish and turtle)
Enjoyment:
10 (reading the book is as gratifying as actually reproducing one of the models within it)
Overall Value (not an average):
10 (a true masterpiece)
The key to understand Robert Lang's work.......2004-10-12
If you are like me, at some point you developed an interest in Origami and your attention was caught by Robert Lang's books. I bought "Origami Insects and their Kin" and was immediately fascinated by the lifelike and ingenuity of the models. My fascination became frustration when I tried to find any model in the book that was "doable". With much patience, wasted paper and a few suicide attempts :-), I finally did one - the ant ! I kept coming back to the Praying Mantis and the Pill Bug with no luck. Then I found this magnificent book - Origami Design Secrets. By studying the methodology created by Dr. Lang, one can see the method behind his genious (or madness :-). I was stumped by a sequence in the Praying Mantis, then I understood what was behind it once I read the chapter on "splitting"... It was like a revelation! The presentation of this book, the didactics and the clarity are superb. Dr Lang created a whole new field of science to explain Origami. It also helps the creative process and the goal to eventually create your own models. I will never be a "virtuoso" like Dr. Lang, but this book opened a whole new set of doors for me. I highly recommend it!
Book Description
Contains a wealth of topics to allow instructors flexibility in the choice of topics and depth of coverage: Examines
projective motion with and without realistic air resistance. Discusses planetary motion and the three-body problem. Explores
chaotic motion of the pendulum and waves on a string. Includes topics relating to fractal growth and stochastic systems.
Offers examples on statistical physics and quantum mechanics. Contains ample explanations of the necessary algorithms
students need to help them write original programs, and provides many example programs and calculations for reference.
Customer Reviews:
great book.......2001-03-06
This is a great book. I enjoy reading and using it quite a bit. The focus is realistic simulations, not just simulations. Also, this book has a wide scope: there are sections covering random systems, molecular dynamics, even earthqakes and self-organized criticality. I suspect a second edition might even expand on these topics to include, oh perhaps economic simulations? But as it is it's a superb book. The style is even engaging; just enough theory (but indeed the right amount of it) and some pointed results... Where else would you go to find three-body gravitational simulations and protein folding and the brain as a complex system, in the same book? Note: there are code examples and the programming language is True Basic for the Macintosh. If that's not your cup of tea, it should not be too hard to port that to, say, Matlab or something more universal. Perhaps again for the second edition...
good book for physicists who like to write simulations.......2001-03-04
This is a great book to get you started using you desktop for more than running your screen saver or surfin' the net. Some sections are dealing with elementary physics but most deal with intermediate to even advanced topics. What's also great about this book is that the author doesn't assume you necessarily remember all of your undergrad physics. You're gently reminded of the key concepts and the bottom line you need to remember and then it's off to the good stuff. I liked this book quite a bit; it's really a great book. Unpretentious and striking the right balance between the theory necessary to write realistic or meaningful simulations. Overall I'd say the word superb applies here. Next edition: expand on stochastic processes a bit more, then you get 5 stars...
Book Description
This revision of QUANTITATIVE METHODS FOR BUSINESS provides students with a conceptual understanding of the role that quantitative methods play in the decision-making process. This text describes the many quantitative methods that have been developed over the years, explains how they work, and shows how the decision-maker can apply and interpret data. Written with the non-mathematician in mind, this text is applications-oriented. Its "Problem-Scenario Approach" motivates and helps students understand and apply mathematical concepts and techniques. In addition, the managerial orientation motivates students by using examples that illustrate situations in which quantitative methods are useful in decision making.
Customer Reviews:
This textbook is TERRIBLE!.......2005-10-01
This book is written in unnecessarily complicated language and does not present information in a way that is easily understood. I teach graduate courses in quantitative methods and I made the mistake of ordering this book for one of my courses without reading it first. It was a disaster!
Unless you are getting a doctorate and need to know lots of complicated formulas without adequate explanations, DO NOT buy this book.
Quantitative MAnagement.......2005-07-10
IT's really oky book. But it took a little more time to get it ghrough me. There are few scratches on the book when i recd. it. The parcel is oky.
Thanks anyway,
Quant Methods Book.......2005-03-06
I have used this textbook for an upper level math class and although the book was hard to follow, I really feel that it did present the information in a well laid out format. Some of the words were hard to grasp, but as for the problems in the back, I found them very useful. I hope anyone out there will in fact give this book a chance.
ABSOLUTELY THE WORST TEXTBOOK FROM A STUDENT'S PERSPECTIVE.......2003-03-12
I am currently taking a Quant Meth class which is using this as the textbook. By far, this is the worst textbook I have ever encountered as a student. It is hard to understand and the answers that are given in the back do not explain how to get to the final solution. Because the problems are not paired (that is 1 is not like 2, 3 is not like 4, etc.) and the only answers are to the EVEN problems, you are basically lost. There is a website for the 9th edition that is "under construction" currently, so there is no help there. This is not a book conducive to learning. Teachers and colleges - PLEASE think twice before you choose this for your curriculum. Both you and your students will be miserable!
Quantitative Methods 8th Edition.......2002-02-01
I am a professor using this book to teach a graduate level Quantitative Methods math class. This book is hard to understand for the students. Exercises included at the end of the chapters are hard to figure for the student based on what is presented in the text alone.
For the instructor, no teacher support is available except a solutions manual. All other texts I have used provides sample lecture material, additional cases, etc. This text provides no such support with a useless web site.
Customer Reviews:
Brand new. .......2007-02-11
The book came to me quickly and just in the condition it had stated.
Excellent reference .......2007-02-09
As a first time user of SPSS, I was easily able to set up a data file using this reference book. It is very clearly written, easy to understand, and I think much better than the Pallant "SPSS Survival Manual" which I also purchased.
Book Description
The Sixth Edition of this influential best-selling book delivers the most up-to-date and comprehensive text and reference yet on the basis of the finite element method (FEM) for all engineers and mathematicians. Since the appearance of the first edition 38 years ago, The Finite Element Method provides arguably the most authoritative introductory text to the method, covering the latest developments and approaches in this dynamic subject, and is amply supplemented by exercises, worked solutions and computer algorithms.
The classic FEM text, written by the subject's leading authors
Enhancements include more worked examples and exercises, plus a companion website with a solutions manual and downloadable algorithms
With a new chapter on automatic mesh generation and added materials on shape function development and the use of higher order elements in solving elasticity and field problems
Active research has shaped The Finite Element Method into the pre-eminent tool for the modelling of physical systems. It maintains the comprehensive style of earlier editions, while presenting the systematic development for the solution of problems modelled by linear differential equations.
Together with the second and third self-contained volumes (0750663219 and 0750663227), The Finite Element Method Set (0750664312) provides a formidable resource covering the theory and the application of FEM, including the basis of the method, its application to advanced solid and structural mechanics and to computational fluid dynamics.
* The classic introduction to the finite element method, by two of the subject's leading authors
* Any professional or student of engineering involved in understanding the computational modelling of physical systems will inevitably use the techniques in this key text
* Enhancements include more worked examples, exercises, plus a companion website with a worked solutions manual for tutors and downloadable algorithms
Customer Reviews:
An all time classic.......2001-04-17
From the masters of the finite element method, this may well be the best book ever written on the subject. In this book, the authors come across as the sages of ancient India preaching what they know is the best, guiding us, and setting a stage of research for the years to come. This is a monumental piece of work in the history of engineering.
The milestone in FE analysis.......2000-07-14
This book is really THE milestone, the only one I really enjoy. A page-turner, a must for all people into FE stuff.
Excellent book for starters in the field.......2000-01-31
This is the ideal book for beginners in finite elements, though the approach is slightly more theoretical. If you have a good background in linear algebra and are comfortable with matrices etc, you should have no trouble finishing this one. You can aim at the definitive work by Professor Bathe after finishing this one.
Zienkiewicz and Taylor: Professors of the Century.......1999-10-22
The enormous influence Zienkiewicz and Taylor have had on the profession of engineering as mentors, teachers, engineers, and researchers, places them among the very best professors this century has seen. May I take this opportunity at Amazon.com to pay tribute to such professors worldwide for the spirit they infuse, dynamism they create, and the legacy of selfless service and excellence they leave behind. Students of 21st century will be grateful that Zienkiewicz and Taylor went before them.
The finite element method bible.......1998-06-23
There is no more complete review of the finite element method. Furthermore, all notation is written in matrix from without any hard to read diadics. Every section gives explicitly, the implementation of the procedure discussed so there's no guess work required.
Book Description
Presenting an introduction to the mathematics of modern physics for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, this textbook introduces the reader to modern mathematical thinking within a physics context. Topics covered include tensor algebra, differential geometry, topology, Lie groups and Lie algebras, distribution theory, fundamental analysis and Hilbert spaces. The book also includes exercises and proofed examples to test the students' understanding of the various concepts, as well as to extend the text's themes.
Customer Reviews:
A fast introduction to mathematics in physics.......2006-01-02
The book does not assume prior knowledge of the topics covered. However, the reader will find use of prior knowledge in algebra, in particular group theory, and topology. Compared to texts, such as Arfken Weber, Mathematical Methods for Physics, A Course in Modern Mathematical Physics is different, and emphasis is on proof and theory. The text is reasonably rigorous and build around stating theorems, giving the proofs and lemmas with occasional examples. The style is not the strictest, although making the text more reader friendly, it is easy to get confused with which assumptions have been made, and the direction of the proof. Sometimes only the "if" part is proven.
Students familiar with algebra will notice that the emphasis is on group theory, interestingly the concept of ideals is left mostly untouched. For more on representation theory a good reference is Groups Representations and Physics by H.F. Jones where solutions to some of the exercises can be found, and examples of the use of the fundamental orthogonality theorem applied to characters of represenations.
The first 6 chapters are relatively straight forward, but in chapter 7 Tensors the text becomes much more advanced and difficult. Chapter 10 on topology offers some lighter material but the reader should be careful, these consepts are to re-appear in the discussion of differential geometry, differentiable forms, integration on manifolds and curvature. These are not the most simple subjects and it is clear that they deserve entire courses of their own.
The book has insight and makes many good remarks. However, chapter 15 on Differential Geometry is perhaps too brief considering the importance of understanding this material, which is applied in the chapters thereinafter. The book is suitable for second to third year student in theoretical physics.
Jumping over the Gap.......2005-12-30
Most physicists avoid mathematical formalism, the book attacks this by exposing mathematical structures, the best approach I've ever experience. After reading the first chapter of this books I can assure is a must for everyone lacking mathematical formation undergraduate or graduate.
It surely jumps over this technical gap experienced by most physics opening the gate for advanced books an mathematical thinking with physic intuition.
Unfortunately is very expensive, i hope i could have it some day.
A serious, wide spectrum introduction to modern mathematical physics.......2005-10-10
This book covers almost every subject one needs to begin a serious graduate study in mathematical and/or theoretical physics. The language is clear, objective and the concepts are presented in a well organized and logical order. This book can be regarded as a solid preparation for further reading such as the works of Reed/Simon, Bratteli/Robinson or Nakahara.
Not a review, only a little more information.......2004-12-11
Since I don't yet have this book, I cannot review it; however, I have found the contents of this book on the publisher's web site in case it would help anyone decide to purchase it or not.
Contents
Preface
1. Sets and structures
2. Groups
3. Vector spaces
4. Linear operators and matrices
5. Inner product spaces
6. Algebras
7. Tensors
8. Exterior algebra
9. Special relativity
10. Topology
11. Measure theory and integration
12. Distributions
13. Hilbert space
14. Quantum theory
15. Differential geometry
16. Differentiable forms
17. Integration on manifolds
18. Connections and curvature
19. Lie groups and lie algebras
I will return at a later date to properly review it in case I need to change the rating I gave it.
Book Description
String theory is one of the most exciting and challenging areas of modern theoretical physics. This book guides the reader from the basics of string theory to recent developments. It introduces the basics of perturbative string theory, world-sheet supersymmetry, space-time supersymmetry, conformal field theory and the heterotic string, before describing modern developments, including D-branes, string dualities and M-theory. It then covers string geometry and flux compactifications, applications to cosmology and particle physics, black holes in string theory and M-theory, and the microscopic origin of black-hole entropy. It concludes with Matrix theory, the AdS/CFT duality and its generalizations. This book is ideal for graduate students and researchers in modern string theory, and will make an excellent textbook for a one-year course on string theory. It contains over 120 exercises with solutions, and over 200 homework problems with solutions available on a password protected website for lecturers at www.cambridge.org/9780521860697.
Customer Reviews:
A good general introduction.......2007-04-22
String theory has been criticized since it was first invented but not to the degree that it has now, this criticism mostly focusing on its failure to connect with observation. The criticism has increased dramatically in recent years however, and some of this has been too vituperative to be useful to those curious about string theory as a viable physical theory. But criticism, however harsh, can be healthy, since it motivates the proponents of a theory to more carefully elucidate its foundations and content. This is usually not the case when a theory is popular, as researchers are in a competitive spirit and are hesitant to share the knowledge to possible competitors. At this stage in the game however, string theorists it seems are now on the defensive, and have thus taken the time to discuss in-depth what this reviewer still believes is the most complex and beautiful theory ever constructed in mathematical physics. String theory still has a long way to go before it gains status as being a physical theory, but hopefully by the end of the next few decades one will see the appearance of charts, graphs, and numerical calculations in books on string theory, much like one finds in the most successful of all physical theories to date: relativistic quantum field theory.
Some highlights in the book that are particularly insightful include:
1. The observation that Dirichlet boundary conditions (for the open string) break Poincare invariance, but that this leads to the introduction of Dp-branes as positions of the endpoints of the open string. Poincare invariance is recovered as long as Dp-brane is space filling, i.e. has a dimension one less than the background spacetime.
2. The view that the BRST quantization of the path integral is really a conformal field theory. This is interesting in that BRST analysis is typically thought of as a procedure for quantizing constrained systems (gauge theories being predominant examples).
3. The `Myers effect'. Sometimes referred to as the `D-brane dielectric effect', it is part of an attempt to understand the physics of non-Abelian D-branes for strong fields. One of the challenges in this understanding involves the validity of the Dirac-Born-Infeld action in these kinds of circumstances, which as the authors remark is designed for situations where the background fields and world-volume gauge fields do not vary appreciably over the distances on the order of the string scale.
4. The origin of the (classical) Virasoro algebra as the freedom of choice of gauge in the reparametrization symmetry. And along these same lines, the quantization of the Virasoro algebra is defined to the normal ordering of the Virasoro generators, and their commutators give an expression consisting of the ordinary classical term plus a "quantum" correction, the famous central extension. Thus the quantum Virasoro algebra can be viewed as a "quantum deformation" of the classical Virasoro algebra, with the central parameter as being the deformation parameter. This philosophy of deformation has found generalization in what are now called `quantum groups' (even though strictly speaking they are much more complicated objects than ordinary groups).
5. The connection of the dilaton to the Euler characteristic.
6. The role of the GSO projection in insuring consistency in the state spectrum.
7. The use of (vector bundle) K-theory to classify D-brane charges. This use arises when it is realized that the conserved R-R charges cannot be identified with cohomology classes of gauge field configurations. Instead, the D-branes are classified by K-theory classes.
8. The discussion on `primitive cohomology' and its relation to de Rham cohomology and Hodge theory.
9. The role of the Born-Infeld structure in ensuring Lorentz invariance of the T-dual description. The Born-Infeld action was once viewed as a mere historical curiosity, namely as a nonlinear generalization of the Maxwell theory, with no experimental backing. That it finds such a natural place in string theory is very interesting (but still of course lacking in experimental support).
10. The derivation of a lower bound for Newton's constant from heterotic M-theory, which is close to the observed value.
11. The argument, beautifully elucidated in this book, that type IIA supergravity may be obtained from 11-dimensional supergravity by dimensional reduction.
12. The discussion on warped space-times and the gauge hierarchy. The authors cleverly motivate this subject by asking why Newtonian gravity follows an inverse-square law rather than an inverse-cube law.
13. An entire chapter is devoted to "stringy" geometry, which is a fascinating subject given that it touches so many areas of modern mathematics.
14. The discussion of the `hidden sector' and its conjectured relation to dark matter and supersymmetry breaking.
15. The author's treatment of the AdS/CFT conjecture is superb and is by far the most interesting part of the book. The dualities shown to exists between gauge theory and string theory are a possible route to a full understanding of nonperturbative quantum chromodynamics, which to this date has defied resolution.
Some major omissions or discussions that need more elaboration include:
1. The difficulties that are actually involved in quantizing the Nambu-Goto action. The authors remark that this is due to the presence of the square root, but it would have been interesting if they would have indicated just where the trouble rises explicitly when a quantization procedure is attempted with the Nambu-Goto action. In ordinary quantum field theory, the presence of the square root is interpreted as a "nonlocal" problem, but even there this issue is not usually dealt with in a manner that is very transparent.
2. A more detailed treatment of string field theory for those readers who want to compare it to what is done in second quantization in ordinary quantum field theory.
3. The role of the Beltrami differentials in the attaining of a measure for moduli space that is invariant under reparametrizations of the moduli space.
4. No in-depth discussion of characteristic classes over and above the algebra involved in their manipulation (i.e. the wedge products). An understanding of characteristic classes is crucial to understanding superstring and brane theory, but the pages of this book mislead the unsuspecting reader that there is nothing to characteristic classes except algebraic manipulation of the differential forms. But characteristic classes have a deep geometrical meaning, and obtaining insight into this meaning has been proven to be difficult for students of string theory. This book does not provide any of this insight, nor do any of the other books currently in print on string theory.
5. Is supersymmetry absolutely necessary for the incorporation of fermions into string theory? The authors seem to argue that it is, but an explicit proof is lacking.
6. The proof that `threshold bound states' are stable is omitted, disappointing the more mathematically sophisticated reader. As the authors remark, the proof involves a special type of index theory involving non-Fredholm operators, and where one must deal with a continuous spectrum. The usual index theory breaks down since one is only dealing with elliptic operators, and contributions to the index from bosons and fermions do not necessarily have to be integers.
7. The authors should have included more discussion on mirror symmetry, beautiful subject that it is.
8. Dp-branes are asserted to be useful in incorporating non-Abelian gauge symmetries in string theory, in that they appear "naturally" as confined to world volumes of multiply-coincident Dp-branes. But is this the best way to introduce these symmetries? Is there a method, other than this one and `compactification', that is just as "natural" and does not have the contrived element that the introduction of Dp-branes sometimes has?
9. The authors need to elaborate in more detail on the definition of "stable" and "unstable" D-brane.
10. The omitting of the proof that string theories are ultraviolet finite theories of quantum gravity. This is by far the most serious omission in the book. This reviewer does not know of a reference that proves this assertion, and many in the physics community have pointed to this omission as being a sign that the string theory research community has been misled by false assertions of proof.
Excellent Book.......2007-03-11
I think this is a great book that provides not only a great introduction to string theory (there is no assumed prior knowledge of string theory), but also provides coverage of many more advanced topics as well. I think it's likely that the vast majority of students specializing in string theory will want to read it at some point in their studies.
The coverage of topics in the first few chapters is in some ways fairly standard. The first two chapters consists of a high level overview of string theory, bosonic string, the Nambu-Goto action the Polyakov action, the Virasoro algebra, the critical dimension, light code gauge and the spectra of open/closed strings. After this there is a chapter on conformal field theory, naturally emphasizing the parts relevant to string theory (including a bit of string field theory). This is followed by discussions of worldsheet supersymmetry, spacetime supersymmetry, anomalies, T-duality and heterotic strings. The writing is very clear and considering the nature of the material, fairly straight forward. There are two things that I considered exceptional strengths. One is that the discussions incorporate D-branes, M-theory and the (unexpected) symmetries of string theory early on. The other is that there are numerous worked examples, as there are throughout the book.
At a very high level the rest of the book contains more extensive discussions of M-theory, compactification (including a substantial amount besides the standard approach of the compact dimensions being a Calabi-Yau space), mirror symmetry, S-duality, possible cosmological consequences of string theory, black holes and other solutions with horizons, matrix theory, AdS/CFT correspondence (a proposed equivalence between closed string solutions on the product of a sphere and anti-deSitter space and Yang-Mills theories) and the holographic principle (or as some would say conjecture).
The things I appreciated the most about this material was that is was a very interesting mix of topics. The discussion of black holes and cosmology was fairly extensive (for cosmology it was the most extensive I've seen in a text book). As was the coverage of the AdS/CFT correspondence. There were also some topics that I don't recall seeing in other string theory books, such as warped geometries in compactification and S-branes (these are like D-branes but they satisfy Dirichlet boundary conditions in timelike directions).
Needless to say it's a fairly advanced book. There is some coverage of things like complex spaces, topology, general relativity and cosmology. However this material is more along the lines of a review, not something intended to teach from first principles (some of the other string theory books cover this kind material in more detail).
All-in-all I believe this book not only provides a great introduction, it also provides an excellent treatment of some of the more advanced topics in string theory.
Best of All Worlds.......2007-03-09
This new textbook on string theory might be considered a modern pimped up version of Zwiebach's introductory course. The book is - as an introduction - better than the 2-volume set by Schwarz (Green, Schwarz, Witten), which is partly outdated, and on the same footing as Polchinski's version, but certainly not as thorough and elaborate. There is some overlap between all books (e.g. the CFT bits from Polchinski are quite similar to those in this new text, the introduction of the bosonic string via the relativistic point particle looks like the ones by Polchinski and Zwiebach, but Becker & Schwarz immediately generalise the concept to p-branes, SCFTs are discussed in a similar manner as in Polchinski, and so on), but there are additional features that really add to the value of the book: all exercises within the text have solutions directly under them, so one can either try to solve them or read them through, and some parts are explained more clearly. The concepts of "(gauge) symmetries" are discussed slightly better than by Polchsinki or GSW, but for those who want mathematical proofs instead of hand-waving arguments, and more background material on supersymmetry, I can only say that I have found no books on string theory that really do that. Both are subjects of study on their own and would go "beyond the scope" of these books... Nevertheless, a very good introduction and most of all: up to date!
For mid-undergraduates, I think, the perfect sequence for string theory would be (provided one acquires knowledge of QFT and Lie algebras for the more advanced texts):
Zwiebach>Becker/Schwarz>Polchinski (supplemented by GSW's first volume)
But if you want to learn string theory more quickly or if you don't have problems with the very basics, then leave out Zwiebach and go for this one immediately. For graduates, Polchinski should be the start, but one can take Backer/Schwarz always as a references and supplement on some topics (connection to black holes and gauge theories).
A Modern Fairytale.......2007-01-30
This is a fabulous excursion into a world inhabited by all sorts of mythical creatures: Calabi-Yau 3-folds, D-branes, orbifolds, ten and eleven-dimensional backgrounds, supersymmetric partners, covariant fermionic vertex operators and many others that only the wildest imaginations can conceive of. The wizards and magicians who have conjured these beasts have also cast a powerful spell on their easily-beguiled followers who see streets of gold and emerald trees as they walk through the morass of E8*E8 gauge fields, compactifications and dualities. This tome will be a welcome addition to your bookshelf right between Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland. I gladly recommend each of you to take a brief stroll into this enchanted land to be followed by the volumes of Landau and Lifchitz, so that you will be able to find your way back to reality again. Some have called strings "a theory of anything". Indeed, it is a wonderful place where you can make all your wishes come true. But do not stay too long in the kingdom of string theory lest you end up like so many others who are lost, searching endlessly for the legendary realms of M-theory or wandering aimlessly in the infinite labyrinth of the Landscape, wasting the remaining years of their life on naught but a fable.
Most up-to-date string theory tome published this year........2007-01-24
This volume was authored by one of the most respected researchers in the field, as well as the Becker sisters. It is beautifully illustrated, and is well timed for upcomming experimental tests of superstring theory at the Large Hadron collider. I did not give if five starts because it only devoted four pages to the Landscape, which professor Susskind, the father of string theory, has declared the most significant advance in physics in the past century.
Book Description
Now in its third edition, Mathematical Concepts in the Physical Sciences provides a comprehensive introduction to the areas of mathematical physics. It combines all the essential math concepts into one compact, clearly written reference.
Customer Reviews:
required for class.......2007-09-25
Boas does an excellent job presenting the new mathematical material presented in this text. The general example problems are good in the fact that they show the workings and system of the new material while giving you an understanding as well. I read the section, work out the examples and then know how to do the problems. This book is required for my theoretical physics class and is worth every penny.
Great reference text.......2007-09-14
As an undergraduate physics major I'm required to take a course in math methods of physics, and Boas is the required text. Not only did I save money by purchasing online, but this book is FANTASTIC. The text itself support the arguments we cover in class, but the book knows no bounds. In my other physics and math courses I've already looked up topics and found a complete and easily understood explanations. I'm definitely not selling this one after the course is over.
Fantastic, Self-Teachable, The Best.......2007-07-27
The single best book available for a person to learn math for the sciences. I taught myself most everything in this book readily; it is incredibly well written to introduce the subject to anyone. It is also comprehensive, and very useful for any scientist. This is written as a graduate physicist, recommended to anyone who has taken Calculus II.
The only book that ties it is Glenn Fletcher's book.
An excellent book for those who need applied mathematics........2007-04-23
This is an excellent book for undergraduates in science and engineering. This book is not for mathematics majors. So anyone who complains about the proofs or lack of rigor is off target. You are not the intended audience.
I include the chapter titles below since they indicate the coveraqe of the book.
1. Infinite series, power series
2. Complex numbers
3. Linear algebra
4. Partial differentiation
5. Multiple integrals
6. Vector analysis
7. Fourier series and transforms
8. Ordinary differential equations
9. Calculus of variations
10. Tensor analysis
11. Special functions
12. Series solutions of differential equations, legendre, bessel, hermite, and laguerre functions
13. Partial differential equations
14. Functions of a complex variable
15. Probability and statistics
Enjoy!
great book.......2007-04-22
This book is great as a crash course in alot of math that appears in physics. The material is very well explained, doesnt use alot of baffeling notation, gets straight to the point, and is completely self contained. I have learned alot from this book and I reccomend it highly.
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