Tag Archives: probability

WHAT ARE THE ODDS?

Probability is the core of statistics. You hear the phrase “what’s the probability of …” all the time in statistics. You also hear that phrase in everyday life, too. What’s the probability of rain tomorrow? What’s the probability of winning … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

PROBABILITY IS SIMPLE … KINDA

Language isn’t very precise in dealing with uncertainty. Probably is more certain than possibly, but who knows where dollars-to-doughnuts falls on the spectrum. Statistics needs to deal with uncertainty more quantitatively. That’s where probability comes in. For the most part, … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Five Things You Should Know Before Taking Statistics 101

Of the over two million college degrees that are granted in the U.S. every year, including those earned at accredited online colleges nationwide, probably two-thirds require completion of a statistics class. That’s over a million and a half students taking … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

Consumer Guide to Statistics 101

Whether you took or are taking an introductory course on statistics, you probably didn’t get to choose from a dozen candidate offerings. You had to take the specific course required for your major. You can, though, evaluate what you got. … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Grasping at Flaws

Even if you’re not a statistician, you may one day find yourself in the position of reviewing a statistical analysis that was done by someone else. It may be an associate, someone who works for you, or even a competitor. … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

You’re Off to Be a Wizard

The process of developing a statistical model (https://statswithcats.wordpress.com/2010/12/04/many-paths-lead-to-models/) involves finding the mathematical equation of a line, curve, or other pattern that faithfully represents the data with the least amount of error (i.e., variability). Variability and pattern are the yin and … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Assuming the Worst

If you’re going to be poking around data looking for patterns and anomalies, you should be aware of the fundamental requirements you need to fulfill, or at least assume you fulfill. Consider this. All models make assumptions, an evil necessity … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

The Zen of Modeling

What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the word model? The plastic model airplanes you used to build? A fashion model? The model of the car you drive? The person who is your role model? But what … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

It’s All Greek

When Humpty Dumpty uses a word, it means just what he chooses it to mean, neither more nor less. To people not conversant in a technical specialty, it seems that all the experts are Humpty Dumptys. Statistics is no exception. … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Try This At Home

We are all awash in statistics. Every day, we see the probability of precipitation, the results of opinion polls, changes in the stock market, your grades in school, or the batting average of the baseball team you follow. It’s surprising, … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments