Abstract
We sketch an outline of statistical computation, an arena of increasing importance in statistics. Its roots are in the numerical analysis of statistical techniques, and its leaves are nearly everywhere that statisticians go. After an introduction which covers the short history of statistical computing, we discuss in some detail the various areas of statistics which have been affected by computers. The most important need of statisticians interested in using computers is software that works; we consider the possible sources of software and discuss the validity of computer programs. The currently faster-growing area in statistical computation is that of graphics; we briefly discuss the past, present, and future of statistical graphics. One of the most important statistical uses of computing power is to run simulations, and we discuss the Monte Carlo method and the problems of generating random numbers. Finally we address the revolution that is occuring with the advent of inexpensive microcomputers. There are obviously a myriad of benefits, but we mention a few cautions.
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Eddy, W.F., Gentle, J.E. (1985). Statistical Computing: What’s Past is Prologue. In: Atkinson, A.C., Fienberg, S.E. (eds) A Celebration of Statistics. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-8560-8_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-8560-8_10
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