The Secret Foundations of Inference and Data Analysis

Donald J. Wheeler, Consulting Statistician, SPC Press, Knoxville, TN, USA

Keywords: Foundations, Inference, Data Analysis

Industry: All

Level: Intermediate

ABSTRACT

The commonalities of various data analysis techniques widely used in industry today are considered. The unstated foundations of these techniques are illustrated by means of simple examples. By using these examples to highlight the differences in the various techniques we avoid the mathematical technicalities and focus instead on the use of the techniques in practice. The implications of these foundations are then discussed and contrasted with what is commonly done. Finally, an operational guide for practitioners that respects these foundations is presented.