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New Advances in Statistical Modeling and Applications pp 3–15Cite as

The Non-mathematical Side of Statistics

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Part of the book series: Studies in Theoretical and Applied Statistics ((STASSPSS))

Abstract

It is well recognized and accepted that mathematics is vital to the development and the application of statistical ideas. However, statistical reasoning and proper statistical work are grounded on types of knowledge other than mathematics. To help to understand the nature of statistics and what its goals are some major aspects that make statistics different from mathematics are recalled. Then non-mathematical features are considered and it is observed how these are diverse and really indispensable to the functioning of statistics. Illustrations of various non-mathematical facets are brought about after digging into statistical analyses attempting to end the Mendel–Fisher controversy on Mendel’s data from breeding experiments with garden peas. Any serious statistical study has to take into account the mathematical and the non-mathematical sources of knowledge, the two sides that form the pillars of statistics. A biased attention to one side or the other not only impoverishes the study but also brings negative consequences to other aspects of the statistical activity, such as the teaching of statistics.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mathematics and CEMAT, Instituto Superior Técnico, TULisbon, Portugal

    João A. Branco

Authors
  1. João A. Branco
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Correspondence to João A. Branco .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. CEMAT and Departamento de Matemática, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal

    António Pacheco

  2. CEAUL and School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Leiria, Portugal

    Rui Santos

  3. CEMAT and Departamento de Matemática, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal

    Maria do Rosário Oliveira

  4. CEAUL and Departamento de Matemática, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal

    Carlos Daniel Paulino

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Branco, J.A. (2014). The Non-mathematical Side of Statistics. In: Pacheco, A., Santos, R., Oliveira, M., Paulino, C. (eds) New Advances in Statistical Modeling and Applications. Studies in Theoretical and Applied Statistics(). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-05323-3_1

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