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Modern statistics: the myth and the magic

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  • David J. Hand

Abstract

Summary. The paper is a personal exploration of the puzzling contradiction between the fundamental excitement of statistics and its poor public image. It begins with the historical foundations and proceeds through the role of applications and the dramatic impact of the computer in shaping the discipline. The mismatch between the reality of statistics and its public perception arises from a number of dichotomies, some of which are explored. In particular, although statistics is perhaps typically seen as an impersonal discipline, in some sense it is very personal, and many of its applications are aimed at providing unique benefit to individuals. This benefit depends on the creation of detailed data sets describing individuals, but the contrary view is that this represents an invasion of privacy. Some observations on statistical education are made, and issues which will affect the future health of the discipline are examined.

Suggested Citation

  • David J. Hand, 2009. "Modern statistics: the myth and the magic," Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A, Royal Statistical Society, vol. 172(2), pages 287-306, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jorssa:v:172:y:2009:i:2:p:287-306
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-985X.2009.00583.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. T. M. F. Smith, 1993. "Populations and Selection: Limitations of Statistics," Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A, Royal Statistical Society, vol. 156(2), pages 145-166, March.
    2. T. M. F. Smith & L. Staetsky, 2007. "The teaching of statistics in UK universities," Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A, Royal Statistical Society, vol. 170(3), pages 581-622, July.
    3. David J. Bartholomew, 1995. "What is Statistics?," Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A, Royal Statistical Society, vol. 158(1), pages 1-20, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jim Ridgway, 2016. "Implications of the Data Revolution for Statistics Education," International Statistical Review, International Statistical Institute, vol. 84(3), pages 528-549, December.
    2. Dina El Kayaly, 2013. "Towards more real-live teachings of business statistics: a Review of Challenges, Teaching Innovations and Strategies for Reform in Egypt," Working Papers 2013/21, Maastricht School of Management.
    3. Sylvia Richardson, 2022. "Statistics in times of increasing uncertainty," Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A, Royal Statistical Society, vol. 185(4), pages 1471-1496, October.
    4. John Pullinger, 2013. "Statistics making an impact," Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A, Royal Statistical Society, vol. 176(4), pages 819-840, October.

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