Everybody learns differently. There are many learning styles and some people would much rather learn visually, as opposed to reading a book. Other people would much rather go through written instructions or information. For most of us, having an arsenal of a few different ways to learn makes the most sense.
Let's discover the best resources for learning statistics, through statistics guides on YouTube, Podcasts, and of course some of the best statistics textbooks and resources.
Statistics Books
Let’s look at some of the best statistics books that can help people to learn statistics and hopefully keep things simple in the process.
Naked Statistics: Stripping the Dread from the Data by Charles Wheelan
Naked Statistics by Charles Wheelan provides a refreshing and accessible introduction to statistics.
Wheelan simplifies statistical concepts by stripping them down to their essentials, making them understandable and relatable. The book is filled with real-world examples that illustrate how statistics impact everyday life, from medical studies to political polls.
Wheelan’s humorous and engaging writing style helps keep you engaged all the way through. This book is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to gain a practical understanding of statistics without getting bogged down by technical jargon. It's an enjoyable read that provides a solid foundation in the basics of statistical thinking.
The Elements of Statistical Learning: Data Mining, Inference, and Prediction by Trevor Hastie, Robert Tibshirani, and Jerome Friedman
A book that is a little more complex, but packed with key data. Written by experts Trevor Hastie, Robert Tibshirani, and Jerome Friedman, this book goes into the theory and practice of various statistical learning techniques.
Topics such as linear regression, neural networks, and support vector machines are covered in depth, making it an essential resource for data scientists and statisticians as well as students.
The authors provide clear explanations and illustrative examples that help bridge the gap between theory and application. Though mathematically rigorous, the book is well-structured and accessible, and though it is more advanced, the info is really useful for people.
YouTube and Podcasts
There are plenty of visual ways to learn statistics, too. Statistics guides don’t have to simply involve words on paper, and hearing somebody talking about statistics can sometimes be a massive help for some types of learners.

Stats and Stories Podcast
“Every Thursday John Bailer & Rosemary Pennington get together with a new, interesting guest to bring you the Statistics behind the Stories and the Stories behind the Statistics.”
This brilliant podcast is fantastic for learners as it focuses on how to understand statistics in a real life setting, with specific examples of how they can be used. Some statistics textbooks can get very technical and abstract so it can be hard to get to grips with the concepts.
Stats and Stories also provides a way for people to stay on top of what is happening in the world of statistics. Some of the episodes that involve people from disease control organizations and polling are particularly well-received.
Statistically Speaking
This is a British podcast by their Office for National Statistics, which provides a lot of insight into how even huge organizations handle statistics, discussing trends in the industry and the importance of statistics.
Highlight episodes include discussions on AI in the future as well as some insightful healthcare episodes, exploring pandemics and disease.
StatQuest with Josh Starmer – YouTube
Josh Starmer is a really relatable host who breaks down a lot of the concepts of statistics into a really simple method for people to understand and make use of.
Some of the graphics are pretty basic, but it really doesn’t matter, this does a really good job of simplifying the whole thing and allowing people to see how statistics work.
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A lot of the content on this particular YouTube channel has also switched to focus on machine learning, of which statistics are definitely a big part. Students who want to learn how statistics and statistical modeling relate to AI can find this especially helpful.
If you want to learn statistics online then this can be a good, visual option for people to explore. Josh makes a good statistics tutor via the medium of YouTube.
Dr Nic's Maths and Stats
A great YouTube channel for younger people who are looking to learn. Dr Nic is another who has a great way of making some of the more complex parts of statistics pretty understandable and relatable.
Among the videos are a lot that cover the basic principles for people who just need a way to understand what some of the absolute basics mean.
Another one of the great things about this channel is the fact that it is split into different learning levels, and there are even resources for beginner learners.
Online Statistics Courses
If you learn best following a specific curriculum then a course can be a good option. They’re also good for including on a resume or even a college application and some even have certification. There is a mixture online, and while some of the courses require payment, there are also some free courses available for people who just want a taster.
Statistics with R Specialization by Duke University (Coursera)
You can learn this course via Coursera, an online platform helping connect learning establishments and students.
This course is designed for beginners and those with some statistical knowledge who want to learn how to use the R programming language for statistical analysis. It consists of five different modules covering various topics, including data analysis, inference, and regression models. The hands-on projects and interactive assignments help reinforce the concepts learned.
This course features:
- Beginner to intermediate level
- Focuses on R programming for statistical analysis
- Includes real-world applications and projects
- Flexible schedule with a self-paced learning option
Introduction to Statistics by Stanford Online
Some top universities are also providing ways for people to learn statistics. If you just want a taster or some beginner knowledge, this Stanford course is an ideal option.
This course from Stanford University provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of statistics. It covers essential topics such as descriptive statistics, probability theory, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. Designed for beginners, the course aims to equip learners with the foundational knowledge necessary to understand and apply statistical methods.
This course features:
- Beginner level
- Taught by Stanford University faculty (a very well-respected university)
- Includes video lectures, assignments, and interactive exercises
- Provides practical applications of statistical concepts
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Introduction to Probability and Statistics by MIT
Offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a hugely-respected university when it comes to certain learning areas, this course provides a comprehensive introduction to probability and statistics. It covers fundamental concepts such as probability theory, random variables, and statistical inference. The course is suitable for beginners and those looking to refresh their knowledge.
This course features:
- Beginner level
- Taught by MIT faculty
- Includes video lectures, assignments, and exams
- Free to audit with an option to pay for a verified certificate

Learn Statistics with a Statistics Tutor Online
Superprof provides you with an ideal way to learn statistics with the help and support of a tutor, rather than just having to go it alone.
A statistics tutor online can tailor lessons to match your specific learning pace, strengths, and areas needing improvement, ensuring that you grasp each concept thoroughly before moving on. This personalized approach helps address individual challenges and fosters a deeper understanding of the material.
Plus, if you work with online statistics tutors they can provide immediate feedback and clarification. While online courses often include forums or Q&A sections, the response time can be slow, and the explanations may not be as detailed. A tutor, however, can instantly clarify doubts, correct misunderstandings, and provide examples that resonate with your learning style. This real-time interaction is invaluable for mastering complex statistical concepts.
A tutor schedules consistent sessions, ensuring that you stay on track and maintain a steady study routine. This structure and accountability boost learning effectiveness, whether you’re looking for an AP statistics tutor or just to grasp the basics of statistics.
Working with one of the many statistics tutors on Superprof can help you to get personalized guidance, immediate feedback, and a structured learning environment provided by a tutor. This can make learning statistics more efficient and effective. You can start your search here on Superprof today and find a tutor in your area, or one that can help you to learn online. Whether you’re learning to enhance job performance, or you’re a student who needs some help with some of the complex areas of statistics, there are numerous options here on Superprof.
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