Talk:Statistics theory

Really, "Statistics theory"? Or rather, "Statistical theory"? --Boris Tsirelson 13:48, 16 November 2011 (EST)

On one hand, it seems, "statistical theory" is used more often. On the other hand, it could mean something else, as in "statistical theory of atoms", while "statistics theory" means exactly "the theory of statistics" (rather than "a theory of statistical flavor"). I am neither a native English speaker nor a statistician, and I am in doubt. Opinions are welcome. --Boris Tsirelson 04:27, 17 November 2011 (EST)

I note that a Google search for "statistics theory" returns about 331,000 results, while a search for "statistical theory" returns about 871,000 results. That doesn't necessarily mean much, however.—Tom Larsen (talk) 22:25, 17 November 2011 (EST)

Yes, this was meant by "...is used more often" above. Still, an unknown part of these 871,000 are like "statistical theory of atoms". WP has wp:Statistical theory starting with "The theory of statistics provides..." (but then sections say "Statistical theory"), and wp:Statistics/Theory redirecting to "Statistical theory". --Boris Tsirelson 02:36, 18 November 2011 (EST)

See also cz:Talk:Statistics theory#The lead: just describe something.3F. "I'm all for of the idea of reverting the name of this article back to "Statistics". The current name "Statistics theory" feels too much like an adhoc terminology not familiar to anyone in statistics and related fields. Well, ok, statistics is not mathematics..." (Hendra I. Nurdin, 9 November 2009); 'This or that name, anyway, the lead could contain something like this: "Statistics gives us devices helpful in various researches when interpreting and using arrays of data that are too large for direct, unaided interpretation"' (Boris Tsirelson, 10 November 2009).

The problem with "statistics" is that it has a completely non-mathematical meaning: the number of homeruns hit by Abe Collins in the season 76-77, or the tons of avocados exported by Israel in 2011. It is this meaning that you find in the exponentially increasing series: lies, damned lies, statistics.--Paul Wormer 03:04, 18 November 2011 (EST)

Yes. A fair article should say that the terminology is somewhat controversial: statistics, applied statistics, theoretical statistics, mathematical statistics (and more?); but I do not feel qualified to describe the situation. --Boris Tsirelson 05:22, 18 November 2011 (EST)