Professor to discuss use of statistics in policy

Professor to discuss use of statistics in policy

Exit polling,
social security, medical insurance: These and other public
policy issues will loom large in the next talk in the Scientia
series.

The Dec. 5 lecture “Assessing Risk and Fairness: The Role of Statistical
Science in Policy” will be presented by David Scott,
Rice professor of statistics, at 4 p.m. in the Kyle Morrow
Room of Fondren Library. A wine-and-cheese-reception will
follow.

In the abstract
of his talk, Scott writes, “Probability theory provides
a mathematical framework for modeling risk. Philosophy considers
fundamental questions of the nature and meaning of chance.
But it falls upon statistical science to collect and analyze
data to estimate risk, influence policy and make decisions.”

The abstract
continues, “Insurance provides a compelling case study
for notions of fairness and subsidy. This talk will examine
the notion of a fair game and consider its application in
areas including decision making, social security, medical
insurance and exit polling. What are some of the elements
of ‘fair’ policies? A deeper understanding of
statistical modeling and evaluation would illuminate subsidies
implicit in public policy and would sharpen political debate.”

A panel including
Stephen Klineberg, professor of sociology, Randi Martin,
the Elma Schneider Professor of Psychology, and Joan Strassmann,
professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, will respond
to the speaker’s remarks. A question-and-answer period
from the audience will follow.

Scott holds
a bachelor’s degree from Rice in electrical engineering
and mathematics and master’s and doctorate degrees
in mathematical sciences from Rice. His research focuses
on the analysis and understanding of data with many variables
and cases. The research program encompasses basic theoretical
studies of multivariate probability density estimation,
computationally intensive algorithms in statistical computing
and data exploration using advanced techniques in computer
visualization.

The topic of
the 2000-2001 Scientia Colloquia is “Taking Chances:
Risk and Randomness in Science and Society.”

Scientia is
an institute of Rice faculty founded in 1981 by mathematician
and science historian Salomon Bochner. It provides an opportunity
for scholarly discussion across disciplinary boundaries.