Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the existence of unsolved problems in statistics, comparing the field to mathematics and questioning the nature of statistical research. Participants explore the historical context of statistics and its perceived limitations in comparison to pure mathematics.
Discussion Character
Main Points Raised
- One participant suggests that major problems in mathematics are not mirrored in statistics, questioning whether this is due to statistics being a newer field or its reliance on experimental data.
- Another participant corrects the historical timeline regarding Florence Nightingale's contributions to statistics.
- A different participant humorously notes a personal fact about Nightingale, which does not contribute to the main discussion.
- One participant points out that a Ph.D. in statistics indicates ongoing research and potential unsolved problems in the field.
- Another participant proposes researching Brownian motion as a potential area of interest within statistics.
- One participant asserts that there are indeed unsolved problems in statistics, using the stock market as an example of a complex system that suggests unresolved issues exist.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the existence and nature of unsolved problems in statistics, with no consensus reached on whether statistics lacks major problems akin to those in mathematics.
Contextual Notes
Some statements rely on historical interpretations and personal anecdotes, which may not directly address the core question of unsolved problems in statistics.
) what's the equivalent of the riemann hypothesis in statistics, if there is one?