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Common probability distributions

January 22, 2019 By editor

common probability distributions

Accessible article from Cloudera describing 15 of the most common probability distributions and their relationships.

Filed Under: Data analysis, Data science

Ranges are for cattle

January 22, 2019 By editor

I’m always surprised by how much focus is placed on advanced data science techniques when basic statistical concepts are ignored.

Take fixed point estimates. It’s clear that many of the numbers bandied around in organisations have significant levels of uncertainty associated with them. How many of us can hit the cost of a project, or its completion date, on the nail?

However, there’s little appetite for working with probability distributions. Even offering up a range of possible outcomes results in demands for a "clear answer".

In the book Public Policy in an Uncertain World President Lyndon B. Johnson, when presented with a range of values for a forecast, is claimed to have said

Ranges are for cattle. Give me a number.

There’s a lot of low-hanging fruit for companies keen to embrace data science.

Filed Under: Data analysis, Data science Tagged With: LBJ, ranges, uncertainty

List of best visualisations of 2018 lists

January 4, 2019 By editor

No, the title isn’t a typo. There’s a list of the "best of 2018 visualisation lists". List of lists is now a thing…apparently.

I did think about picking the best of the best of 2018 visualisation lists—but I couldn’t do it to you.

But, it’s a great resource so worth reading.

Filed Under: Data science, General Tagged With: visualization

Visual essays

January 3, 2019 By editor

The Pudding creates visual essays to explain issues of cultural significance/importance.

Visual essays are an emerging form of journalism. Some of the most complex, debated topics get lost in “too long; didn’t read” 10,000-word articles. Visual storytelling makes ideas more accessible[…]"

If you are interested in storytelling with data then you’ll enjoy their work.

Filed Under: Data analysis Tagged With: visualization

Economist charts of the year

January 3, 2019 By editor

The Economist recently selected its (own) 12 favourite charts of 2018.

My favourite is the penalty shoot-out visualisation. A great example of how to present statistical data to a general audience.

I also liked their "Build an American Voter" widget. Apparently I’m not alone as it won them an award.

Filed Under: Data analysis Tagged With: visualization

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