----- Original Message -----
From: "R. Allan Reese" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, May 23, 2003 2:46 PM
Subject: Comment: Statistics and interpretation
> Following Ray Thomas's editorial in RSS News, I suggest that good data
> analysis requires a combination of critical examination of the Pstatistics
> with sufficient width of knowledge of Mstatistics to carry out
> investigative analysis.
For those puzzled by this tailpiece I need to say that Pstatistics refers to
statistics used as Plural noun - typically covering statistics as facts
about society - as in the Charter of the Royal Statistical Society.
Mstatistics refers to statistics as a singular noun. The M standing for
method and mathematics. The RSS is just now changing its Charter to be
rid of those embarrassing 'facts about society' connotations.
My colleague Robert Newcombe says, in the current issue of RSS News, that
the distinction is clearer in the Welsh language. Ystadegau corresponds to
Pstatistics. Ystadegaeth corresponds to Mstatistics.
Ray Thomas
35 Passmore, Tinkers Bridge, Milton Keynes MK6 3DY
Email: [log in to unmask]
Tel 01908 679081 Fax 01908 550401
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