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Is there a role for statistics in artificial intelligence?

Author

Listed:
  • Sarah Friedrich

    (University Medical Center Göttingen)

  • Gerd Antes

    (University of Freiburg)

  • Sigrid Behr

    (Novartis Pharma AG)

  • Harald Binder

    (University of Freiburg)

  • Werner Brannath

    (University Bremen)

  • Florian Dumpert

    (Federal Statistical Office of Germany)

  • Katja Ickstadt

    (TU Dortmund University)

  • Hans A. Kestler

    (Ulm University)

  • Johannes Lederer

    (Ruhr-Universität Bochum)

  • Heinz Leitgöb

    (Department of Sociology, University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt)

  • Markus Pauly

    (TU Dortmund University)

  • Ansgar Steland

    (RWTH Aachen University)

  • Adalbert Wilhelm

    (Jacobs University Bremen)

  • Tim Friede

    (University Medical Center Göttingen)

Abstract

The research on and application of artificial intelligence (AI) has triggered a comprehensive scientific, economic, social and political discussion. Here we argue that statistics, as an interdisciplinary scientific field, plays a substantial role both for the theoretical and practical understanding of AI and for its future development. Statistics might even be considered a core element of AI. With its specialist knowledge of data evaluation, starting with the precise formulation of the research question and passing through a study design stage on to analysis and interpretation of the results, statistics is a natural partner for other disciplines in teaching, research and practice. This paper aims at highlighting the relevance of statistical methodology in the context of AI development. In particular, we discuss contributions of statistics to the field of artificial intelligence concerning methodological development, planning and design of studies, assessment of data quality and data collection, differentiation of causality and associations and assessment of uncertainty in results. Moreover, the paper also discusses the equally necessary and meaningful extensions of curricula in schools and universities to integrate statistical aspects into AI teaching.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah Friedrich & Gerd Antes & Sigrid Behr & Harald Binder & Werner Brannath & Florian Dumpert & Katja Ickstadt & Hans A. Kestler & Johannes Lederer & Heinz Leitgöb & Markus Pauly & Ansgar Steland & A, 2022. "Is there a role for statistics in artificial intelligence?," Advances in Data Analysis and Classification, Springer;German Classification Society - Gesellschaft für Klassifikation (GfKl);Japanese Classification Society (JCS);Classification and Data Analysis Group of the Italian Statistical Society (CLADAG);International Federation of Classification Societies (IFCS), vol. 16(4), pages 823-846, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:advdac:v:16:y:2022:i:4:d:10.1007_s11634-021-00455-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s11634-021-00455-6
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