Statistics question: is it possible to test sets of cumulative data for significant differences in rate? [more inside]
posted by rollick on Nov 4, 2009 - 9 answers

I need a good statistics book! [more inside]
posted by Brennus on May 7, 2009 - 14 answers

Can someone explain why despite the fact that every one of these incidents occurs at a unique time and place, each involves a complex history of events and personal decisions leading to its very unlikely outcome, that the death toll on the roads year-on-year is so predictable? See here and here. [more inside]
posted by zaebiz on Dec 28, 2008 - 47 answers

Maximizing a function over orthogonal matrices, or: solving polynomial order 2 systems. Help me out or point me to a better forum / listhost. [more inside]
posted by a robot made out of meat on Oct 26, 2008 - 15 answers

Does the fact that the betting markets still give Hillary Clinton a 1 in 55 chance of being President in 2008, mean that that is a reasonable estimate of the chance that Obama is assassinated before the election? What else could justify those odds now?
posted by zaebiz on Sep 1, 2008 - 14 answers

What's the chance that we're related? [more inside]
posted by brandnew on Mar 16, 2008 - 17 answers

Statistics-filter: I need to establish to what extent student performance on a particular standardized test is predicted by each of the following: GPA, standardized test scores and a couple of other miscellaneous numerical factors. How do I go about this? [more inside]
posted by perissodactyl on Mar 6, 2008 - 11 answers

I'd like to learn about SVM, HMM and wavelet algorithms in their usage in bioinformatics. I have a somewhat rudimentary understanding of the underlying mathematics from Wikipedia and a couple other sources, but I find that a concrete demonstration of their application fleshes it out. Are there texts, software packages (preferably free) or papers you'd recommend that: 1) includes good starter problem sets, or; 2) demonstrates how these techniques are used in research applications (beyond "we used xyz here"). Thanks!
posted by Blazecock Pileon on Nov 24, 2007 - 7 answers

StatisticsFilter: Can someone explain - with examples - why R^2 (r-square) values are not appropriate for use with non-linear regression models. [more inside]
posted by jonesor on Jun 21, 2007 - 5 answers

Mathematicians, I've always suspected there is a real opportunity to exploit the inefficiencies of the online sports betting markets and amateur bettors and make serious money. Have you felt the same way or am I kidding myself? [more inside]
posted by vizsla on Dec 17, 2006 - 7 answers

If you were to buy just one text on probability and statistics (and their applications) that covers the subjects in some depth (building from an introductory college level, through advanced undergraduate to a graduate level and perhaps further) and does a good job of making the basic concepts clear with solved examples (employing those drawn from actual research), which one would you choose?
posted by sk381 on Oct 17, 2006 - 2 answers

How do I process user ratings of content without skewing results of items that have only been rated once? [more inside]
posted by Orkboi on Jul 10, 2006 - 19 answers

Statistics problem: Suitable statistical test for data containing rankings of preference for men and women for 4 alternatives. (more inside) Help me extract some meaning from my data, please. [more inside]
posted by JeNeSaisQuoi on Dec 16, 2005 - 13 answers

Are national political polls that make use of random sample populations adjusted to account for the differences in overall population distribution throughout the US (in other words, do national political pollsters typically use some methodology to appropriately weigh responses from poll respondents depending on whether they live in more densely or less densely populated regions)?
posted by all-seeing eye dog on Aug 3, 2005 - 9 answers