Science and Statistics

1976/12/01 by George E. P. Box · 10 citations
Mathematics · Psychology · #Statistics Education and Methodologies #Worry #Flexibility (engineering) #Mathematical economics #Mathematics #Computer science #Representation (politics) #Management science #Econometrics #Statistics #Epistemology #Calculus (dental) #Applied mathematics #Psychology #Philosophy #Economics #Political science

paper · doi:10.1080/01621459.1976.10480949

openalex publication_date 1976/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05

Abstract

Aspects of scientific method are discussed: In particular, its representation as a motivated iteration in which, in succession, practice confronts theory, and theory, practice. Rapid progress requires sufficient flexibility to profit from such confrontations, and the ability to devise parsimonious but effective models, to worry selectively about model inadequacies and to employ mathematics skillfully but appropriately. The development of statistical methods at Rothamsted Experimental Station by Sir Ronald Fisher is used to illustrate these themes.

Citations

• Limiting forms of the frequency distribution of the largest or smallest member of a sample
• Studies in crop variation. I. An examination of the yield of dressed grain from Broadbalk

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