3. Python's Statistical Toolbox

Overview

In the previous chapter, we learned about the three main libraries in Python that help us facilitate various tasks in our statistics/machine learning projects. This chapter, in turn, initiates the formal topic of statistics and its relevant concepts. While it contains a number of theoretical discussion points, we will also employ intuitive examples and hands-on coding activities to help facilitate understanding. What we learn in this chapter will then prepare us for later statistics-related chapters in this workshop.

By the end of this chapter, you will understand the fundamental concepts in statistics and statistical methods. You'll also be able to carry out various statistics-related tasks using Python tools and libraries, and will have had an overview of a number of advanced statistics libraries in Python, such as statsmodels and PyMC3.