SPSSX Discussion

Statistics Quote

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E. Bernardo

Statistics Quote

What is your comment about this quote which I got from somebody:

"Statistics is the only Science that enables different experts using the same figures to draw different conclusions"

Best,

Eins

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Hector Maletta

Re: Statistics Quote

False.

1. Statistics is not a science (i.e. it does not study any particular portion of reality). It belongs (with mathematics) in the camp of the formal disciplines (maths, logic, and so on).

2. There are a number of scientific fields in which discrepancies over figures happen, ant not necessarily with statistical figures. For instance, climate prediction models are plagued with hot debates on the extent and magnitude of climate change. Another such field is psychometrics, especially in the measurement of cognitive ability and its heritability. Some of the disputes are on statistical matters (e.g. margins of error), others are not. The disputes arise, in part, because the subject is a hot one in ideological terms, and also because of more fundamental differences of approach: see for instance David Hull, Science as a process, for a study of the disputes within the field of systematic zoology, where the core of the dispute is how to reconcile methods for classifying species with the facts of Darwinian evolution, where “species” become blurry, and similar species may belong to totally different evolutionary lineages.

Hector

From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Eins Bernardo
Sent: 13 August 2009 21:17
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Statistics Quote

What is your comment about this quote which I got from somebody:

"Statistics is the only Science that enables different experts using the same figures to draw different conclusions"

Best,

Eins

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Discover the all-new Yahoo! Messenger today!

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Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.392 / Virus Database: 270.13.53/2299 - Release Date: 08/13/09 18:16:00

Guerrero, Rodrigo

Re: Statistics Quote

I tell you, there is more ‘science’ to statistics than to Darwinian evolution.

Rodrigo A. Guerrero | Director Of Marketing Research and Analysis | The Scooter Store | 830.627.4317

From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Hector Maletta
Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 9:16 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: Statistics Quote

False.

1. Statistics is not a science (i.e. it does not study any particular portion of reality). It belongs (with mathematics) in the camp of the formal disciplines (maths, logic, and so on).

Hector

From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Eins Bernardo
Sent: 13 August 2009 21:17
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Statistics Quote

What is your comment about this quote which I got from somebody:

"Statistics is the only Science that enables different experts using the same figures to draw different conclusions"

Best,

Eins

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Discover the all-new Yahoo! Messenger today!

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.392 / Virus Database: 270.13.53/2299 - Release Date: 08/13/09 18:16:00

The information transmitted is intended only for the addressee(s) and may contain confidential or privileged material, or both. Any review, receipt, dissemination or other use of this information by non-addressees is prohibited. If you received this in error or are a non-addressee, please contact the sender and delete the transmitted information.

Daniel Robertson

Re: Statistics Quote

In reply to this post by E. Bernardo

A little bit of Googling suggests the source of the quote, in a slightly
different form, to be a book called "Esar's Comic Dictionary" -- I know
nothing about this book, but if this is the source of the quote I would
assume it was intended as satire.

Eins Bernardo wrote:

> What is your comment about this quote which I got from somebody:
>
> "Statistics is the only Science that enables different experts using
> the same figures to draw different conclusions"
>
> Best,
> Eins
>
>
> <http://sg.rd.yahoo.com/ph/messenger/maxwell/*http://ph.messenger.yahoo.com/>

--
Daniel Robertson
Senior Research and Planning Associate
Institutional Research and Planning
Cornell University / irp.cornell.edu

=====================
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Derek Quinlan

Re: Statistics Quote

Not sure if this quote made it here yet...

Mark Twain: "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."

Cheers

Derek

On Fri, Aug 14, 2009 at 10:10 AM, Daniel Robertson <[hidden email]> wrote:

A little bit of Googling suggests the source of the quote, in a slightly
different form, to be a book called "Esar's Comic Dictionary" -- I know
nothing about this book, but if this is the source of the quote I would
assume it was intended as satire.

Eins Bernardo wrote:

What is your comment about this quote which I got from somebody:

"Statistics is the only Science that enables different experts using
the same figures to draw different conclusions"

Best,
Eins

<http://sg.rd.yahoo.com/ph/messenger/maxwell/*http://ph.messenger.yahoo.com/>

--
Daniel Robertson
Senior Research and Planning Associate
Institutional Research and Planning
Cornell University / irp.cornell.edu

=====================
To manage your subscription to SPSSX-L, send a message to
[hidden email] (not to SPSSX-L), with no body text except the
command. To leave the list, send the command
SIGNOFF SPSSX-L
For a list of commands to manage subscriptions, send the command
INFO REFCARD

--
Dr. Derek J. Quinlan
Research Project Coordinator
Psychology Lecturer
University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario

Mailing Address:
Dr. Derek J. Quinlan
The University of Western Ontario
Westminster Hall, Suite 326E
London, ON
N6A 3K7

Doug

Re: Statistics Quote

In reply to this post by Guerrero, Rodrigo

Ha ha. I really hope this is not a serious post.

On Fri, Aug 14, 2009 at 9:44 AM, Guerrero, Rodrigo <[hidden email]> wrote:

I tell you, there is more ‘science’ to statistics than to Darwinian evolution.

RG

Rodrigo A. Guerrero | Director Of Marketing Research and Analysis | The Scooter Store | 830.627.4317

Bruce Weaver

Re: Statistics Quote

Administrator

In reply to this post by Daniel Robertson

That reminds me of another standard stats joke:

"If you want three opinions, ask two statisticians."

But I wonder if that "three" is not a serious underestimate. I suspect a lot of statisticians can come up with three opinions on their own. ;-)

Here's one more, from http://www.btinternet.com/~se16/hgb/statjoke.htm:

"A statistician is a person who draws a mathematically precise line from an unwarranted assumption to a foregone conclusion."

Daniel Robertson wrote

A little bit of Googling suggests the source of the quote, in a slightly
different form, to be a book called "Esar's Comic Dictionary" -- I know
nothing about this book, but if this is the source of the quote I would
assume it was intended as satire.

Eins Bernardo wrote:
> What is your comment about this quote which I got from somebody:
>
> "Statistics is the only Science that enables different experts using
> the same figures to draw different conclusions"
>
> Best,
> Eins
>
>
> <http://sg.rd.yahoo.com/ph/messenger/maxwell/*http://ph.messenger.yahoo.com/>

--
Daniel Robertson
Senior Research and Planning Associate
Institutional Research and Planning
Cornell University / irp.cornell.edu

=====================
To manage your subscription to SPSSX-L, send a message to
LISTSERV@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU (not to SPSSX-L), with no body text except the
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--
Bruce Weaver
bweaver@lakeheadu.ca
http://sites.google.com/a/lakeheadu.ca/bweaver/

"When all else fails, RTFM."

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
1. My Hotmail account is not monitored regularly. To send me an e-mail, please use the address shown above.
2. The SPSSX Discussion forum on Nabble is no longer linked to the SPSSX-L listserv administered by UGA (https://listserv.uga.edu/).

lts1

Re: Statistics Quote

In reply to this post by Derek Quinlan

I used to think Mark Twain said this as well. Until a friend point out that in his autobiography, Mark Twain was actually quoting Benjamin Disraeli.

Cheers,

Lisa

----- Original Message -----

From: [hidden email]

To: [hidden email]

Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 10:30 AM

Subject: Re: Statistics Quote

Not sure if this quote made it here yet...

Mark Twain: "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."

Cheers

Derek

On Fri, Aug 14, 2009 at 10:10 AM, Daniel Robertson <[hidden email]> wrote:

A little bit of Googling suggests the source of the quote, in a slightly
different form, to be a book called "Esar's Comic Dictionary" -- I know
nothing about this book, but if this is the source of the quote I would
assume it was intended as satire.

Eins Bernardo wrote:

What is your comment about this quote which I got from somebody:

"Statistics is the only Science that enables different experts using
the same figures to draw different conclusions"

Best,
Eins

<http://sg.rd.yahoo.com/ph/messenger/maxwell/*http://ph.messenger.yahoo.com/>

--
Daniel Robertson
Senior Research and Planning Associate
Institutional Research and Planning
Cornell University / irp.cornell.edu

=====================
To manage your subscription to SPSSX-L, send a message to
[hidden email] (not to SPSSX-L), with no body text except the
command. To leave the list, send the command
SIGNOFF SPSSX-L
For a list of commands to manage subscriptions, send the command
INFO REFCARD

--
Dr. Derek J. Quinlan
Research Project Coordinator
Psychology Lecturer
University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario

Mailing Address:
Dr. Derek J. Quinlan
The University of Western Ontario
Westminster Hall, Suite 326E
London, ON
N6A 3K7

Swank, Paul R

Re: Statistics Quote

In reply to this post by Bruce Weaver

Being a statistician means never having to say your certain.

Dr. Paul R. Swank,
Professor and Director of Research
Children's Learning Institute
University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston

-----Original Message-----
From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Bruce Weaver
Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 9:55 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: Statistics Quote

That reminds me of another standard stats joke:

"If you want three opinions, ask two statisticians."

But I wonder if that "three" is not a serious underestimate. I suspect a
lot of statisticians can come up with three opinions on their own. ;-)

Here's one more, from http://www.btinternet.com/~se16/hgb/statjoke.htm:

"A statistician is a person who draws a mathematically precise line from an
unwarranted assumption to a foregone conclusion."

Daniel Robertson wrote:

>
> A little bit of Googling suggests the source of the quote, in a slightly
> different form, to be a book called "Esar's Comic Dictionary" -- I know
> nothing about this book, but if this is the source of the quote I would
> assume it was intended as satire.
>
> Eins Bernardo wrote:
>> What is your comment about this quote which I got from somebody:
>>
>> "Statistics is the only Science that enables different experts using
>> the same figures to draw different conclusions"
>>
>> Best,
>> Eins
>>
>>
>> <http://sg.rd.yahoo.com/ph/messenger/maxwell/*http://ph.messenger.yahoo.com/>
>
> --
> Daniel Robertson
> Senior Research and Planning Associate
> Institutional Research and Planning
> Cornell University / irp.cornell.edu
>
> =====================
> To manage your subscription to SPSSX-L, send a message to
> [hidden email] (not to SPSSX-L), with no body text except the
> command. To leave the list, send the command
> SIGNOFF SPSSX-L
> For a list of commands to manage subscriptions, send the command
> INFO REFCARD
>
>

-----
--
Bruce Weaver
[hidden email]
http://sites.google.com/a/lakeheadu.ca/bweaver/
"When all else fails, RTFM."

NOTE: My hotmail address is for posting only, and messages sent to it will
be deleted.

--
View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Statistics-Quote-tp24965025p24973078.html
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=====================
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=====================
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lts1

Re: Statistics Quote

In reply to this post by Bruce Weaver

And while I'm citing quotes, the one below was said by Yale Hirsh (in the
Stock Trader's Almanac).

Thanks to all for the enjoyable interlude, but now I'm going back to work.

Best,
Lisa

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bruce Weaver" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 10:55 AM
Subject: Re: Statistics Quote

>
>
> "A statistician is a person who draws a mathematically precise line from
> an
> unwarranted assumption to a foregone conclusion."
>
>
>

=====================
To manage your subscription to SPSSX-L, send a message to
[hidden email] (not to SPSSX-L), with no body text except the
command. To leave the list, send the command
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For a list of commands to manage subscriptions, send the command
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Marta Garcia-Granero

Re: Statistics Quote

In reply to this post by lts1

Friday evening... everybody looks quite unoccupied.

OK, here's my contribution to this relaxed pre-weekend atmosphere:

Top 10 reasons to become a statistician (I):

10. Deviation is considered normal.
9. We feel complete and sufficient.
8. We are mean lovers.
7. Statisticians do it discretely and continuously.
6. We are right 95% of the time.
5. We can safely comment on someone's posterior distribution.
4. We may not be normal but we are transformable.
3. We never have to say we are certain.
2. We are honestly significantly different.
1. No one wants our jobs.

Top 10 Reasons to Be a Statistician (II) (as seen on an ASA store T-shirt):
10. Deviation is considered normal
9. You feel complete and sufficient
8. You always wanted to learn the entire Greek alphabet anyway
7. You can legally comment on someone's posterior distribution
6. You may not be normal but you are transformable
5. You never have to say you are certain
4. You are honestly significantly different
3. You never have to be right-only close
2. Estimating parameters is easier than dealing with real life
1. Statisticians are normal, everyone else is skewed

Happy weekend to everyone

Marta GG

Lisa T. Stickney wrote:

> I used to think Mark Twain said this as well. Until a friend point out
> that in his autobiography, Mark Twain was actually quoting Benjamin
> Disraeli.
>
> Cheers,
> Lisa
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> *From:* Derek Quinlan <mailto:[hidden email]>
> *To:* [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
> *Sent:* Friday, August 14, 2009 10:30 AM
> *Subject:* Re: Statistics Quote
>
> Not sure if this quote made it here yet...
>
> Mark Twain <http://mail.google.com/wiki/Mark_Twain>: "There are
> three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."
>
> Cheers
> Derek
>
> On Fri, Aug 14, 2009 at 10:10 AM, Daniel Robertson
> <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
>
> A little bit of Googling suggests the source of the quote, in
> a slightly
> different form, to be a book called "Esar's Comic Dictionary"
> -- I know
> nothing about this book, but if this is the source of the
> quote I would
> assume it was intended as satire.
>
> Eins Bernardo wrote:
>
> What is your comment about this quote which I got from
> somebody:
>
> "Statistics is the only Science that enables different
> experts using
> the same figures to draw different conclusions"
>
> Best,
> Eins
>
>
> <http://sg.rd.yahoo.com/ph/messenger/maxwell/*http://ph.messenger.yahoo.com/>
>
>
> --
> Daniel Robertson
> Senior Research and Planning Associate
> Institutional Research and Planning
> Cornell University / irp.cornell.edu <http://irp.cornell.edu/>
>
> =====================
> To manage your subscription to SPSSX-L, send a message to
> [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
> (not to SPSSX-L), with no body text except the
> command. To leave the list, send the command
> SIGNOFF SPSSX-L
> For a list of commands to manage subscriptions, send the command
> INFO REFCARD
>
>
>
>
> --
> Dr. Derek J. Quinlan
> Research Project Coordinator
> Psychology Lecturer
> University of Western Ontario
> London, Ontario
>
>
> Mailing Address:
> Dr. Derek J. Quinlan
> The University of Western Ontario
> Westminster Hall, Suite 326E
> London, ON
> N6A 3K7
>

Swank, Paul R

Re: Statistics Quote

It is also said that "thou shalt not lie down with statisticians nor commit a social science", and "If all the statisticians in the world were laid end to end, it would be a good thing." However, my personal favorite is "A statistician is a person with all the mathematical skills but none of the social skills to be an accountant."

Have a good weekend everybody!

Paul

Dr. Paul R. Swank,
Professor and Director of Research
Children's Learning Institute
University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston

-----Original Message-----
From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Marta García-Granero
Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 10:48 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: Statistics Quote

Friday evening... everybody looks quite unoccupied.

OK, here's my contribution to this relaxed pre-weekend atmosphere:

Top 10 reasons to become a statistician (I):

10. Deviation is considered normal.
9. We feel complete and sufficient.
8. We are mean lovers.
7. Statisticians do it discretely and continuously.
6. We are right 95% of the time.
5. We can safely comment on someone's posterior distribution.
4. We may not be normal but we are transformable.
3. We never have to say we are certain.
2. We are honestly significantly different.
1. No one wants our jobs.

Top 10 Reasons to Be a Statistician (II) (as seen on an ASA store T-shirt):
10. Deviation is considered normal
9. You feel complete and sufficient
8. You always wanted to learn the entire Greek alphabet anyway
7. You can legally comment on someone's posterior distribution
6. You may not be normal but you are transformable
5. You never have to say you are certain
4. You are honestly significantly different
3. You never have to be right-only close
2. Estimating parameters is easier than dealing with real life
1. Statisticians are normal, everyone else is skewed

Happy weekend to everyone

Marta GG

Lisa T. Stickney wrote:

Ergul, Emel A.

Meta analysis versus

In reply to this post by lts1

Dear all:

I apologize if this would be an irrelevant/inappropriate question to the list but here I'll give it a try.

I have a good reason to think that certain prior medical procedure/s for the population I am working on might have an influence to the outcome. I recently saw an article asked exactly the same question and did a "meta analysis " showing insignificant results. Here is my question:

1. I'm planning to look at my data for the same kind of search but how much it would be compatible to compare it with this study? (in meta analysis they screened the literature for relevant information), here I'm doing it on a limited number of "selected" people. What would be the differences doing it through meta analysis versus doing it through a dbs retrospectively?

2. Would you be kind enough to direct me to a good source to read more about meta analysis?

I am grateful as always in advance!

emel

From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Lisa T. Stickney
Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 11:24 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: Statistics Quote

I used to think Mark Twain said this as well. Until a friend point out that in his autobiography, Mark Twain was actually quoting Benjamin Disraeli.

Cheers,

Lisa

----- Original Message -----

From: [hidden email]

To: [hidden email]

Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 10:30 AM

Subject: Re: Statistics Quote

Not sure if this quote made it here yet...

Mark Twain: "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."

Cheers

Derek

On Fri, Aug 14, 2009 at 10:10 AM, Daniel Robertson <[hidden email]> wrote:

A little bit of Googling suggests the source of the quote, in a slightly
different form, to be a book called "Esar's Comic Dictionary" -- I know
nothing about this book, but if this is the source of the quote I would
assume it was intended as satire.

Eins Bernardo wrote:

What is your comment about this quote which I got from somebody:

"Statistics is the only Science that enables different experts using
the same figures to draw different conclusions"

Best,
Eins

<http://sg.rd.yahoo.com/ph/messenger/maxwell/*http://ph.messenger.yahoo.com/>

--
Daniel Robertson
Senior Research and Planning Associate
Institutional Research and Planning
Cornell University / irp.cornell.edu

=====================
To manage your subscription to SPSSX-L, send a message to
[hidden email] (not to SPSSX-L), with no body text except the
command. To leave the list, send the command
SIGNOFF SPSSX-L
For a list of commands to manage subscriptions, send the command
INFO REFCARD

--
Dr. Derek J. Quinlan
Research Project Coordinator
Psychology Lecturer
University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario

Mailing Address:
Dr. Derek J. Quinlan
The University of Western Ontario
Westminster Hall, Suite 326E
London, ON
N6A 3K7


The information in this e-mail is intended only for the person to whom it is
addressed. If you believe this e-mail was sent to you in error and the e-mail
contains patient information, please contact the Partners Compliance HelpLine at
http://www.partners.org/complianceline . If the e-mail was sent to you in error
but does not contain patient information, please contact the sender and properly
dispose of the e-mail.

statisticsdoc

Re: Statistics Quote

In reply to this post by Bruce Weaver

A sample of only two statisticians would not provide a very reliable estimate of the number of opinions that would be given :)
Steve
www.StatisticsDoc.com
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce Weaver <[hidden email]>

Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:55:11
To: <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: Statistics Quote

That reminds me of another standard stats joke:

"If you want three opinions, ask two statisticians."

But I wonder if that "three" is not a serious underestimate. I suspect a
lot of statisticians can come up with three opinions on their own. ;-)

Here's one more, from http://www.btinternet.com/~se16/hgb/statjoke.htm:

"A statistician is a person who draws a mathematically precise line from an
unwarranted assumption to a foregone conclusion."

Daniel Robertson wrote:

Tuerk, Elena

Re: Meta analysis versus

In reply to this post by Ergul, Emel A.

There are two classic books on meta-analysis that might be helpful:

The Handbook of Research Synthesis by Cooper and Hedges

Practical Meta-Analysis by Lipsey and Wilson

From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Ergul, Emel A.
Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 12:27 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Meta analysis versus

Dear all:

I apologize if this would be an irrelevant/inappropriate question to the list but here I'll give it a try.

2. Would you be kind enough to direct me to a good source to read more about meta analysis?

I am grateful as always in advance!

emel

From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Lisa T. Stickney
Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 11:24 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: Statistics Quote

I used to think Mark Twain said this as well. Until a friend point out that in his autobiography, Mark Twain was actually quoting Benjamin Disraeli.

Cheers,

Lisa

----- Original Message -----

From: [hidden email]

To: [hidden email]

Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 10:30 AM

Subject: Re: Statistics Quote

Not sure if this quote made it here yet...

Mark Twain: "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."

Cheers

Derek

On Fri, Aug 14, 2009 at 10:10 AM, Daniel Robertson <[hidden email]> wrote:

A little bit of Googling suggests the source of the quote, in a slightly
different form, to be a book called "Esar's Comic Dictionary" -- I know
nothing about this book, but if this is the source of the quote I would
assume it was intended as satire.

Eins Bernardo wrote:

What is your comment about this quote which I got from somebody:

"Statistics is the only Science that enables different experts using
the same figures to draw different conclusions"

Best,
Eins

<http://sg.rd.yahoo.com/ph/messenger/maxwell/*http://ph.messenger.yahoo.com/>

--
Daniel Robertson
Senior Research and Planning Associate
Institutional Research and Planning
Cornell University / irp.cornell.edu

=====================
To manage your subscription to SPSSX-L, send a message to
[hidden email] (not to SPSSX-L), with no body text except the
command. To leave the list, send the command
SIGNOFF SPSSX-L
For a list of commands to manage subscriptions, send the command
INFO REFCARD

--
Dr. Derek J. Quinlan
Research Project Coordinator
Psychology Lecturer
University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario

Mailing Address:
Dr. Derek J. Quinlan
The University of Western Ontario
Westminster Hall, Suite 326E
London, ON
N6A 3K7

The information in this e-mail is intended only for the person to whom it is

addressed. If you believe this e-mail was sent to you in error and the e-mail

contains patient information, please contact the Partners Compliance HelpLine at

http://www.partners.org/complianceline . If the e-mail was sent to you in error

but does not contain patient information, please contact the sender and properly

dispose of the e-mail.

Hector Maletta

Re: Statistics Quote

In reply to this post by Swank, Paul R

Sit. It is "Thou shall not sit with statisticians, nor commit a social
science" (Auden's poem). Other body positions are not included in the
commandment.

Hector

-----Original Message-----
From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of
Swank, Paul R
Sent: 14 August 2009 12:22
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: Statistics Quote

It is also said that "thou shalt not lie down with statisticians nor commit
a social science", and "If all the statisticians in the world were laid end
to end, it would be a good thing." However, my personal favorite is "A
statistician is a person with all the mathematical skills but none of the
social skills to be an accountant."

Have a good weekend everybody!

Paul

Dr. Paul R. Swank,
Professor and Director of Research
Children's Learning Institute
University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston

-----Original Message-----
From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of
Marta García-Granero
Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 10:48 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: Statistics Quote

Friday evening... everybody looks quite unoccupied.

OK, here's my contribution to this relaxed pre-weekend atmosphere:

Top 10 reasons to become a statistician (I):

10. Deviation is considered normal.
9. We feel complete and sufficient.
8. We are mean lovers.
7. Statisticians do it discretely and continuously.
6. We are right 95% of the time.
5. We can safely comment on someone's posterior distribution.
4. We may not be normal but we are transformable.
3. We never have to say we are certain.
2. We are honestly significantly different.
1. No one wants our jobs.

Top 10 Reasons to Be a Statistician (II) (as seen on an ASA store T-shirt):
10. Deviation is considered normal
9. You feel complete and sufficient
8. You always wanted to learn the entire Greek alphabet anyway
7. You can legally comment on someone's posterior distribution
6. You may not be normal but you are transformable
5. You never have to say you are certain
4. You are honestly significantly different
3. You never have to be right-only close
2. Estimating parameters is easier than dealing with real life
1. Statisticians are normal, everyone else is skewed

Happy weekend to everyone

Marta GG

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For miscellaneous SPSS related statistical stuff, visit:
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Bruce Weaver

Re: Statistics Quote

Administrator

In reply to this post by Swank, Paul R

stat·is·ti·cian
n.
1. A mathematician broken down by age and sex.

Swank, Paul R wrote

Being a statistician means never having to say your certain.

Dr. Paul R. Swank,
Professor and Director of Research
Children's Learning Institute
University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston

-----Original Message-----
From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:SPSSX-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU] On Behalf Of Bruce Weaver
Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 9:55 AM
To: SPSSX-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
Subject: Re: Statistics Quote

That reminds me of another standard stats joke:

"If you want three opinions, ask two statisticians."

But I wonder if that "three" is not a serious underestimate. I suspect a
lot of statisticians can come up with three opinions on their own. ;-)

Here's one more, from http://www.btinternet.com/~se16/hgb/statjoke.htm:

"A statistician is a person who draws a mathematically precise line from an
unwarranted assumption to a foregone conclusion."

Daniel Robertson wrote:
>
> A little bit of Googling suggests the source of the quote, in a slightly
> different form, to be a book called "Esar's Comic Dictionary" -- I know
> nothing about this book, but if this is the source of the quote I would
> assume it was intended as satire.
>
> Eins Bernardo wrote:
>> What is your comment about this quote which I got from somebody:
>>
>> "Statistics is the only Science that enables different experts using
>> the same figures to draw different conclusions"
>>
>> Best,
>> Eins
>>
>>
>> <http://sg.rd.yahoo.com/ph/messenger/maxwell/*http://ph.messenger.yahoo.com/>
>
> --
> Daniel Robertson
> Senior Research and Planning Associate
> Institutional Research and Planning
> Cornell University / irp.cornell.edu
>

Daciuk, Tim

Re: Statistics Quote

Broken down by age and sex? Nice.

Most of us are broken down by stress and drinking!

Tim Daciuk
Director, Worldwide Demo Resources
SPSS Inc.

-----Original Message-----
From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Bruce Weaver
Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 2:20 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: Statistics Quote

stat*is*ti*cian
n.
1. A mathematician broken down by age and sex.

Swank, Paul R wrote:

>
> Being a statistician means never having to say your certain.
>
> Dr. Paul R. Swank,
> Professor and Director of Research
> Children's Learning Institute
> University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of
> Bruce Weaver
> Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 9:55 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: Statistics Quote
>
> That reminds me of another standard stats joke:
>
> "If you want three opinions, ask two statisticians."
>
> But I wonder if that "three" is not a serious underestimate. I suspect a
> lot of statisticians can come up with three opinions on their own. ;-)
>
> Here's one more, from http://www.btinternet.com/~se16/hgb/statjoke.htm:
>
> "A statistician is a person who draws a mathematically precise line from
> an
> unwarranted assumption to a foregone conclusion."
>
>
>
>
> Daniel Robertson wrote:
>>
>> A little bit of Googling suggests the source of the quote, in a slightly
>> different form, to be a book called "Esar's Comic Dictionary" -- I know
>> nothing about this book, but if this is the source of the quote I would
>> assume it was intended as satire.
>>
>> Eins Bernardo wrote:
>>> What is your comment about this quote which I got from somebody:
>>>
>>> "Statistics is the only Science that enables different experts using
>>> the same figures to draw different conclusions"
>>>
>>> Best,
>>> Eins
>>>
>>>
>>> <http://sg.rd.yahoo.com/ph/messenger/maxwell/*http://ph.messenger.yahoo.com/>
>>
>> --
>> Daniel Robertson
>> Senior Research and Planning Associate
>> Institutional Research and Planning
>> Cornell University / irp.cornell.edu
>>
>
>
>

-----
--
Bruce Weaver
[hidden email]
http://sites.google.com/a/lakeheadu.ca/bweaver/
"When all else fails, RTFM."

NOTE: My hotmail address is for posting only, and messages sent to it will
be deleted.

--
View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Statistics-Quote-tp24965025p24976327.html
Sent from the SPSSX Discussion mailing list archive at Nabble.com.

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E. Bernardo

Re: Statistics Quote

In reply to this post by Hector Maletta

I am not sure if we believe that Statistics is not a Science. Think the degree course "Bachelor of Science in Statistics" offered by many universities in the world. Why it is called Bachelor of Science if it is not a Science? Why not Bachelor of Arts in Statistics, instead?

These links seem think that Statistics is a science, a mathematical science:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statistics

http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/s/statistics.htm

http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/subjects/stat/

http://www.usaelectionwatch.com/Statistics/encyclopedia.htm

http://www.imstat.org/sts/

Best,

Eins

--- On Fri, 8/14/09, Hector Maletta <[hidden email]> wrote:

From: Hector Maletta <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: Statistics Quote
To: [hidden email]
Date: Friday, 14 August, 2009, 2:15 AM

False.

1. Statistics is not a science (i.e. it does not study any particular portion of reality). It belongs (with mathematics) in the camp of the formal disciplines (maths, logic, and so on).

2. There are a number of scientific fields in which discrepancies over figures happen, ant not necessarily with statistical figures. For instance, climate prediction models are plagued with hot debates on the extent and magnitude of climate change. Another such field is psychometrics, especially in the measurement of cognitive ability and its heritability. Some of the disputes are on statistical matters (e.g. margins of error), others are not. The disputes arise, in part, because the subject is a hot one in ideological terms, and also because of more fundamental differences of approach: see for instance David Hull, Science as a process, for a study of the disputes within the field of systematic zoology, where the core of the dispute is how to reconcile methods for classifying species with the facts of Darwinian evolution, where “species” become blurry, and similar species may belong to totally different evolutionary lineages.

Hector

From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Eins Bernardo
Sent: 13 August 2009 21:17
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Statistics Quote

What is your comment about this quote which I got from somebody:

"Statistics is the only Science that enables different experts using the same figures to draw different conclusions"

Best,

Eins

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