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(2007) Synthese 154 (3).
This article focuses on the role of statistical concepts in both experiment and theory in various scientific disciplines, especially physics, including astronomy, and psychology. In Sect. 1 the concept of uncertainty in astronomy is analyzed from Ptolemy to Laplace and Gauss. In Sect. 2 theoretical uses of probability and statistics in science are surveyed. Attention is focused on the historically important example of radioactive decay. In Sect. 3 the use of statistics in biology and the social sciences is examined, with detailed consideration of various Chi-square statistical tests. Such tests are essential for proper evaluation of many different kinds of scientific hypotheses.
Publication details
DOI: 10.1007/s11229-006-9122-0
Full citation:
Suppes, P. (2007). Statistical concepts in philosophy of science. Synthese 154 (3), pp. 485-496.
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