A Second Opinion
Statistical analysis and mathematical modeling as methodologies for the non-mathematical sciences (such as biology, economics, psychology, etc.) evolved long before the computer era. Statistical analysis requires data reduction—replacing large amounts of data by a few statistical measures. Mathematical modeling—away from physics—requires extreme simplification of the models. Computers have made it possible for statistical analysis and mathematical modeling to flourish, but they have also made it possible to see huge amounts of data directly. This can provide a powerful means of verification and a better way to communicate theoretical results to others.
Data represents reality (assuming that it has been carefully acquired and not faked). All statistical analyses and mathematical models are abstractions. This difference is crucial. Reification (to make real)—ascribing reality to abstractions—is considered by many philosophers (but not all!) to be a fallacy. You must decide this for yourself.
Mathematical analysis works in physics because its conclusions are always verified by experiments—indeed, this is the "scientific method". Without this step, mathematical analysis is reduced to "speculation" (anathema to most scientists). Furthermore, the use of these disciplines necessitates a steep learning curve, with the corollary that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. A one-semester course in applied multivariate analysis and the routine use of SPSS or other software can impart complacency in the non-expert, while even this training is lacking in the majority of those professionals and managers who need to understand the data. How many jargon-filled reports may actually be nonsense sprinkled with the holy waters of science? How do you tell?
It is one of the main purposes of Antaeus to provide at least
an alternative second opinion.