Sampling and Bayes' Inference in the Advancement of Learning
Abstract
Sampling theory inference (e.g. inference based on sampling distributions of statistics and in particular on significance tests) and Bayesian inference are usually thought of as rivals and much effort has been spent in propounding their relative merits. In this paper it is argued that both kinds of inference are needed in the scientific iteration whereby knowledge is acquired. This iteration employs a directed alternation between induction and deduction which uses model criticism on the one hand and parameter estimation on the other. An analysis of Bayes' formula reveals model criticism as a sampling theory concept and parameter estimation as a Bayesian concept. The implications of these ideas for robust estimation are discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA077100
Entities
People
- George E. Box
Organizations
- University of Wisconsin–Madison