Statistical Thinking an Statistical Practice: Themes Gleaned from Professional Statisticians

Abstract

Advancing computer technology is allowing us to downplay instruction in mechanical procedures and shift emphasis towards teaching the “art” of statistics. This paper is based upon interviews with six professional statisticians about statistical thinking and statistical practice. It presents themes emerging from their professional experience, emphasizing dimensions that were surprising to them and were not part of their statistical training. Emerging themes included components of sta­ tistical thinking, pointers to good statistical practices and the subtleties of interacting with the thinking of others, particularly coworkers and clients. The main purpose of the research is to uncover basic elements of applied statistical practice and statistical thinking for the use of teachers of statistics.