(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2010-09-23)
Efron, Bradley
Familiar statistical estimates such as
batting averages, political polls, and medical trial results are obtained
by direct observation of cases of interest. Sometimes, though, we can
learn from the experience of "others": for instance there may be
information about Player A's batting ability in the observed averages
of Players B,C,D, etc. In his presentation, Professor Efron will
present several examples showing how this works in practice,
indicating some of the surprising theoretical ideas involved. The talk
is mainly descriptive in nature, and is intended for a general scientific
audience.