On 12 Apr 2000, Herman Rubin wrote:
> >I have often wondered if an integrated course/course sequence might not be
> >better.
>
> A course sequence of a rather different kind is definitely
> in order. It would be at least three courses.
>
> The first course would be a general probability only course,
> with the emphasis on understanding probability, not in carrying
> out computations. This has nothing to do with the discipline
> of the individual student, although the level should be such
> that it uses as much mathematics as the student is going to know.
> One might, at this stage, introduce the ideas of statistical
> decision making, but most will need a full course in probability
> first to understand probability well enough to use it in any
> sensible manner. If probability is presented as merely the
> limit of relative frequency, this might be quite difficult.
>
> The second course should be a course in probability modeling
> in the student's department of application. The construction
> of probability models, the making of assumptions, and the
> meaning of those assumptions, is almost totally absent in
> those using statistics today. There should be strong warnings
> about the dangers of those assumptions being false, and that
> in practice these assumptions might not be quite true.
>
> Only after this can one reasonably deal with the uncertainties
> of inference.
Dr. Rubin,
Are there any texbooks that you would deem suitable for the 3
courses you describe above?
--
Bruce Weaver
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.angelfire.com/wv/bwhomedir/
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