Sub-topic 1: Estimation and model testing

Question 1

What is estimation?

Answer 1

To estimate some characteristic, parameter of the system under study, usually to aid decision making.

Question 2

What is hypothesis or model testing?

Answer 2

To test some idea, or model, about the world.

Question 3

You can estimate then test, or test then estimate.

Answer 3

Yes.

Question 4

A framework for testing models:

1. A falsificationist approach
2. Methodical
3. Iterative (repeating)
4. The role of statistics is explicit

Answer 4

Yes.