List of terms

    Model (statistical)

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    Definition

    A mathematical representation of observed data that aims to reflect the population under study, allowing for the better understanding of the phenomenon of interest, identification of relationships among variables and predictions about future instances. A classic example would be the application of Chi square to understand the relationship between smoking and cancer (Doll & Hill, 1954).

    Related terms: Bayesian Inference, Model (computational), Model (philosophy), Null Hypothesis Significance Testing (NHST)

    Reference:

    • Doll, R., & Hill, A. B. (1954). The mortality of doctors in relation to their smoking habits; a preliminary report. British Medical Journal, 1(4877), 1451–1455. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.1.4877.1451

    Originally drafted by: Jamie P. Cockcroft

    Reviewed by: Alaa AlDoh, Mahmoud Elsherif, Meng Liu, Catia M. Oliveira, Charlotte R. Pennington

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