the statistical model

Question 1

All models we use are wrong

Answer 1

“All models are wrong, but some are useful” (Box, 1976)

• They are representations of a thing that do not necessarily capture all the complexity of reality
• But they can still be of use to us
• E.g. the underground map or the model of a car’s suspension

Question 2

The statistical model

Answer 2

• We don’t make physical models of things
• Small bridges, maps
• Our models are made from data
• We collect data about a phenomenon
• Look for patterns or trends

Question 3

Simple model

Answer 3

Describing central tendency and variability in a measure

Question 4

Complex model

Answer 4

Network of how different variables connect to each other

Question 5

step 1

Answer 5

We find a phenomenon we are interested in

Question 6

step 2

Answer 6

We create a theoretical model & create study

Question 7

step 3

Answer 7

We collect data about that phenomenon

Question 8

step 4

Answer 8

Visualise & interpret the variability in that data

Question 9

step 5

Answer 9

Describe the variation using appropriate descriptive statistics

Question 10

step 6

Answer 10

• This is where we build and interpret the statistical model (in RStudio)
• Based on our theoretical model and using our data

Question 11

• Why do we need a statistical model?

Answer 11

1. Make conclusions about lots of people by just studying a few
2. Hypothesis testing
3. Estimation
4. Predict the future
5. Compare different theoretical models