Mathematics is both a science and an art. Directly or indirectly, everyone requires mathematics but mathematics does not require other fields. It is a language in itself.
Similar to the use of all languages used by different populations, mathematics is the language of all numbers and of any movement in this universe and beyond.
Statistics is one of the most important branches of mathematics. Statistics as a subject mainly aims to find the best estimates in situations of uncertainty. Hence, it aims to try to find the best predictions based on strong assumptions. In the absence of strong assumptions, one would then need to state clearly how and on what assumptions findings are presented.
Analysing, discussing and reporting findings are not just a matter of quoting a number. Every number carries a different story based on a certain theoretical background. Every number needs to be presented with a list of assumptions and a clear methodology including the level of confidence in that specific number. The last general election was a clear showcase on the importance of making a clear distinction between science and the political agenda. In my published work during the last general election, I continuously stressed about the importance of a rigorous methodology, the use of statistical techniques (such as the non-response models) and accurate sampling methodology.
All this produced accurate predictions with a near perfect match to the actual result of the general election. Science is based on facts while the political agenda is a combination of different factors.
The latter is certainly not solely based on scientific facts. Throughout my work which was published on local newspapers and presented on the media, I discussed the importance of having a rigorous methodology when carrying out political surveys.
The latter surveys already bring forward a number of issues, such as missing information, people refusing to answer surveys, collecting a representative sample and time constraints.
Hence, when faced with these major difficulties, one needs to ensure that whatever is in the control of the researcher must be carried out to perfection or to the best possible ideal scenario.
Applying the right methodology to ensure that the sample is highly representative of the whole population is vital. Lack of representativeness in such studies will render findings null, let alone the fiasco of on-line polls in the latest general election. These were a perfect example of non-scientific research work and the incorrect manipulation of numbers, together with a lack of methodological description.
Finding evidence for every number cited in a study is of paramount importance. This should be based on science and on mathematics.
The logical assessment behind every number must be airtight with no flaws and/or irregularities.
This implies that every number requires testing from all perspectives - even by counter challenging the number itself. Consequently, based on the above perspectives, when the Mathematician or Statistician feels that the number presented is unquestionable, science then prevails.
Dr Vincent Marmara is a Research Statistician and a lecturer at the Department of Management within the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy, University of Malta. Vincent is a graduate in Statistics and Mathematics from three Universities; University of Malta (BSc(Hons)), Sheffield (MSc) and Stirling (PhD).
Did you know?
• The word ‘scientist’ first appeared in 1833.
• In 2012, a ten-year-old accidentally created a new molecule in a science class: Tetranitratoxycarbon.
• The average number of readers of any given published scientific paper is said to be 0.6.
• The world’s oldest known creature, a mollusc, was 507 years old until scientists killed it by mistake.
• The Big Bang Theory was first theorised by a Catholic priest - Georges Lemaître.
• Tomatoes have more genes than human beings.
For more trivia see: www.um.edu.mt/think
Sound bites
• Researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Harvard Medical School and MIT have designed a smart bandage that could eventually heal chronic wounds or battlefield injuries with every fibre of its being. The bandage consists of electrically conductive fibres coated in a gel that can be individually loaded with infection-fighting antibiotics, tissue-regenerating growth factors, painkillers or other medications. A microcontroller no larger than a postage stamp, which could be triggered by a smartphone or other wireless device, sends small amounts of voltage through a chosen fibre. That voltage heats the fibre and its hydrogel, releasing whatever cargo it contains.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/10/171005161120.htm
• Imagine if doctors could determine, many years in advance, who is likely to develop dementia. Such prognostic capabilities would give patients and their families time to plan and manage treatment and care. Thanks to artificial intelligence research conducted at McGill University, this kind of predictive power could soon be available to clinicians everywhere. Scientists used artificial intelligence techniques and big data to develop an algorithm capable of recognising the signatures of dementia two years before its onset, using a single amyloid PET scan of the brain of patients at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Their findings appear in a new study published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/08/170822111026.htm
To find out some more interesting science news listen in on Radio Mocha on every Monday and Friday at 1pm on Radju Malta 2.