BEHAVIORISTIC POINTS OF VIEW ON MATHEMATICAL STATISTICS11Prepared with the partial support of the National Science Foundation, Grant GP-10

Abstract

This chapter discusses behavioristic points of view on mathematical statistics. The problem of stochastic models is of prime interest but is taken over partly by the relevant substantive disciplines, such as astronomy, physics, biology, economics, and partly by theory of probability. The primary subject of the modern theory of probability may be described as the study of properties of particular chance mechanisms. The questions as to what values should be ascribed to the parameters intervening in a stochastic model of given phenomena and regarding whether this stochastic model can be seriously considered as the mechanism underlying these phenomena are of prime importance. The conceptual background underlying the solution of such problems has some connections with probability theory but is clearly outside of it, and the current more or less generally accepted point of view on theory of statistics is that it is no more and no less than theory of statistical decision making. The once prevailing independent interest in descriptive statistics has faded away.