Statistics Tutorials: What Free Online Lessons Cover and How to Use Them

Free statistics tutorials on sites like stattrek.com typically cover probability, linear regression, ANOVA, survey sampling, and matrix algebra, plus a full AP Statistics track. They work best for self-study when you pair each lesson with practice problems and calculators rather than reading straight through. This guide explains what each topic area includes and how to sequence them.

Core topic areas in a free statistics tutorial library

The tutorials are organized by subject, and each one is written in plain English with solved problems. The main areas are:

• Probability — fundamentals with pages of worked problems
• Linear regression — regression analysis with one or more independent variables
• ANOVA — analysis of variance, covering how to collect, analyze, and interpret data
• Survey sampling — how to conduct a statistical survey and analyze survey data
• Matrix algebra — an introductory treatment for the math behind multivariate methods
• AP Statistics — full coverage of the AP Statistics curriculum

Each area is self-contained, so you can start with the topic you actually need instead of working through everything in order.

How to sequence the tutorials

If you are learning from scratch, a workable order is:

1. Probability first. Regression and ANOVA both assume you are comfortable with distributions and basic probability rules.
2. Linear regression next. It introduces the idea of modeling a relationship between variables, which ANOVA builds on.
3. ANOVA after regression. You will already understand variance decomposition from regression.
4. Survey sampling once you know how to describe and analyze data.
5. Matrix algebra last, or in parallel, if you plan to go into multivariate methods.

If you have a specific exam or project deadline, skip the sequence and go directly to the relevant tutorial — the topics do not require the earlier ones as strict prerequisites for reading.

Using tutorials with practice, formulas, and calculators

Reading alone rarely sticks. The site pairs tutorials with several supporting tools:

A practical loop is: read a lesson, work the practice questions by hand, then check your arithmetic with a calculator. When a term or symbol blocks you, check the dictionary or notation page before moving on.

AP Statistics: tutorial plus practice exams

For AP Statistics specifically, the site provides a structured path:

• AP Tutorial — free lessons covering all test areas
• Practice exam 1 — sample problems with detailed solutions
• Practice exam 2 — a second set of sample problems with detailed solutions
• AP Statistics formulas — a formula reference for exam prep

A reasonable review plan is to work the tutorial topic by topic, then take Practice Exam 1 under timed conditions, review every missed problem against the tutorial, and finish with Practice Exam 2. The detailed solutions are the main value — they show the reasoning, not just the answer.

Calculators and tools for when you get stuck

The site's toolbox covers common computation and lookup needs:

• Random number generator — produces a list of up to 10,000 random numbers, with a specified value range and the option to allow or prevent duplicates
• Sample size calculator — helps design survey sampling plans
• Probability calculator, statistics calculator, Bayes rule calculator
• Combinations and permutations, factorial, event counter
• Bartlett's test
• Online statistical tables — binomial, chi-square, f, geometric, hypergeometric, multinomial, negative binomial, normal, Poisson, and t distributions

Use these to verify hand calculations or to get a p-value or critical value from a table without hunting through a printed appendix.

Common sticking points

• Skipping probability. Regression and ANOVA explanations lean on distribution concepts; a weak probability base makes them harder than they need to be.
• Reading without solving. The practice questions and solved problems are where the learning happens.
• Ignoring notation. If a formula looks opaque, the notation reference usually resolves it in a minute.
• Using a calculator before understanding the method. The calculators remove arithmetic drudgery, but you still need to know which test applies and how to read the output.

The site describes itself as training and tools to help you solve statistics problems quickly, easily, and accurately without asking anyone for help — which is a fair summary of how to use it: lessons for concepts, practice for retention, and calculators for execution.