English

The "given data" paradigm undermines both cultures

Machine Learning 2021-05-27 v1 Machine Learning

Abstract

Breiman organizes "Statistical modeling: The two cultures" around a simple visual. Data, to the far right, are compelled into a "black box" with an arrow and then catapulted left by a second arrow, having been transformed into an output. Breiman then posits two interpretations of this visual as encapsulating a distinction between two cultures in statistics. The divide, he argues is about what happens in the "black box." In this comment, I argue for a broader perspective on statistics and, in doing so, elevate questions from "before" and "after" the box as fruitful areas for statistical innovation and practice.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2105.12478,
  title  = {The "given data" paradigm undermines both cultures},
  author = {Tyler McCormick},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2105.12478},
  year   = {2021}
}
R2 v1 2026-06-24T02:28:57.560Z