Tag Archives: accuracy

Regression Fantasies

Common Reasons for Doubting a Regression Model Finding a model that fits a set of data is one of the most common goals in data analysis. Least squares regression is the most commonly used tool for achieving this goal. It’s … Continue reading

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Regression Fantasies: Part I

Five Common Reasons for Doubting a Regression Model Finding a model that fits a set of data is one of the most common goals in data analysis. Least squares regression is the most commonly used tool for achieving this goal. … Continue reading

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Aphorisms for Data Analysts

An aphorism is a pithy saying that reveals some astute observation or popular notion, whether true or fictitious. “Lies, damn lies, and statistics” you’ve undoubtedly heard. If you’ve taken Stats 101, you probably know that “correlation doesn’t imply causation.” Here … Continue reading

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Ten Tactics used in the War on Error

Scientists and other theory-driven data analysts focus on eliminating bias and maximizing accuracy so they can find trends and patterns in their data. That’s necessary for any type of data analysis. For statisticians, though, the real enemy in the battle … Continue reading

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Many Paths Lead to Models

If you’ve never created a statistical model before, you might be surprised to find that the process involves a lot more than statistics. It’s like traveling. You don’t start by thinking about your transport, the plane, train, or bus you … Continue reading

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The Measure of a Measure

If you can measure a phenomenon, you can analyze the phenomenon. But if you don’t measure the phenomenon accurately and precisely, you won’t be able to analyze the phenomenon accurately and precisely. So in planning a statistical analysis, once you … Continue reading

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There’s Something About Variance

Imagine practicing hitting a target using darts, bow and arrow, pistol, cannon, missile launcher, or whatever. You aim for the center of the target. If your shots land where you aimed, you are considered to be accurate. If all your … Continue reading

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Why Do I Have To Take Statistics?

When you were in school, you probably asked the question, why do I have to take statistics?” Your adviser told you: “because it’s required for the degree.” “But why,” you said “why would I ever need to use statistics?” Everybody … Continue reading

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Stats With Cats: What’s inside

Stats With Cats is a great companion to any introductory textbook in statistics. You won’t find a lot of equations or descriptions of the central limit theorem, probability, and hypothesis testing. You can find that information in traditional statistical texts. … Continue reading

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