A report (click here to download a copy) just released by the Group of Eight (Go8) Australian universities concludes that we're going backwards with respect to numeracy.
The Future of Statistics and Statisticians 13 February 2010
Ever had a need to consult a statistician? Many who have complain that the experience was not entirely pleasant and/or constructive. So what's wrong?
An EPA colleague once likened his consulting experience with a statistician to root canal surgery - only more painful! So what is it about statistics and (some) statisticians that turns people off? The statistical community has, and continues to spend a lot of time analyzing itself, its teachings, and its modes of interaction. This has been going on almost continually for the past 40 years but little or no progress seems to have been made in improving the public image. The debates and discussions are being re-hashed again in the latest edition of The American Statistician. David Fox suggests that it's time to move on. The key is to make ourselves more relevant and accessible. Download a copy of his article "Desired and Feared - Quo Vadis or Quid Agis" here.
