Six maxims of statistical acumen for astronomical data analysis
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The acquisition of complex astronomical data is accelerating, especially with newer telescopes producing ever
more large-scale surveys. The increased quantity, complexity, and variety of astronomical data demand a parallel
increase in skill and sophistication in developing, deciding, and deploying statistical methods. Understanding
limitations and appreciating nuances in statistical and machine learning methods and the reasoning behind them is
essential for improving data-analytic proficiency and acumen. Aiming to facilitate such improvement in astronomy,
we delineate cautionary tales in statistics via six maxims, with examples drawn from the astronomical literature.
Inspired by the significant quality improvement in business and manufacturing processes by the routine adoption of
Six Sigma, we hope the routine reflection on these six maxims will improve the quality of both data analysis and
scientific findings in astronomy.
more large-scale surveys. The increased quantity, complexity, and variety of astronomical data demand a parallel
increase in skill and sophistication in developing, deciding, and deploying statistical methods. Understanding
limitations and appreciating nuances in statistical and machine learning methods and the reasoning behind them is
essential for improving data-analytic proficiency and acumen. Aiming to facilitate such improvement in astronomy,
we delineate cautionary tales in statistics via six maxims, with examples drawn from the astronomical literature.
Inspired by the significant quality improvement in business and manufacturing processes by the routine adoption of
Six Sigma, we hope the routine reflection on these six maxims will improve the quality of both data analysis and
scientific findings in astronomy.
Date Issued
2024-12
Date Acceptance
2024-10-06
Citation
Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series, 2024, 275 (2)
ISSN
0067-0049
Publisher
IOP Publishing
Journal / Book Title
Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series
Volume
275
Issue
2
Copyright Statement
© 2024. The Author(s). Published by the American Astronomical Society. Original content from this work may be used under the terms
of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. Any further
distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title
of the work, journal citation and DOI.
of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. Any further
distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title
of the work, journal citation and DOI.
License URL
Identifier
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4365/ad8440
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
30
Date Publish Online
2024-11-19