Reading academic paper by really pro people brings inspiration. Now I started to understand that a job in the academia is in fact more important than I would have imagined. The inspired few try hard to inspire others.
M Stone wrote in a paper in 1974, he mentioned that statistical methods are very similar to prescriptions given by doctors. I just cannot agree more with that. To me, statistics is always much more than abstract mathematical representations and calculations or complex algorithms--it is the applicable use of statistical methods that attributes to the significance of the science.
Here are the reasons why statistics are much like medical science
1) Statistical methods, same as prescription should be employed under specific circumstances
2) The application of statistical methods by a statistician, as well as the usage of prescription by a medical doctor requires not only textbook knowledge. More importantly, it depends on the statistician/doctor's experience.
3) The statistical methods, as well as prescription need to be closely monitored and modified over the period of analysis/treatment
4) The outcome of a statistical method, and a prescription has nothing to do with a True or False, it only has two possibilities--success or failure
Interesting yea?
Labels: Sexy Stats
posted by panda xuan @ 7:20 PM
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