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Chapter 4: Statistical inference

Chapter 4: Statistical inference

pp. 49-68

Authors

, Columbia University, New York, , New York University, , Aalto University, Finland
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Summary

Statistical inference can be formulated as a set of operations on data that yield estimates and uncertainty statements about predictions and parameters of some underlying process or population. From a mathematical standpoint, these probabilistic uncertainty statements are derived based on some assumed probability model for observed data. In this chapter, we sketch the basics of probability modeling, estimation, bias and variance, and the interpretation of statistical inferences and statistical errors in applied work. We introduce the theme of uncertainty in statistical inference and discuss how it is a mistake to use hypothesis tests or statistical significance to attribute certainty from noisy data.

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