Statistics conceptual questions

In summary, the probability of a monkey typing out Hamlet is almost certain, but it is not true that you can never say something will happen in probability.
  • #1
Ukitake Jyuushirou
124
0
Hi all

I took a course subject in basic statistics but its been so long ago I find that I have mixed up or forgotten some of the concepts so I hope someone here can help me refresh my memory.

1) Probability starts from 0 to 1, you can have any range of numbers but they cannot exceed 1 or be less than 0 (true/false)

2) If you have a probability of greater than 0, regardless how small that probability is it will occur given enough time (say infinite amount of time)

3) I was intrigued by a poster with a list of "facts" that supports creationism, it mention someone about Borel and his law and something about infinite monkeys. I did my google but I am still not a 100% sure of what I am reading so I am simplifying my statements here

a) Borel law simply states that if you have a small probability, the probability of it occurring is almost negligible
b) If you have a monkey typing for infinity, then the chance of the monkey typing out Hamlet is almost certain

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
Ukitake Jyuushirou said:
Hi all

I took a course subject in basic statistics but its been so long ago I find that I have mixed up or forgotten some of the concepts so I hope someone here can help me refresh my memory.

1) Probability starts from 0 to 1, you can have any range of numbers but they cannot exceed 1 or be less than 0 (true/false)
I'm not sure what you mean by "any range of numbers" but, yes, a "probability" cannot be less than 0 nor larger than 1.

2) If you have a probability of greater than 0, regardless how small that probability is it will occur given enough time (say infinite amount of time)
No, that is not true. You can never say something will happen in probability.

3) I was intrigued by a poster with a list of "facts" that supports creationism, it mention someone about Borel and his law and something about infinite monkeys. I did my google but I am still not a 100% sure of what I am reading so I am simplifying my statements here

a) Borel law simply states that if you have a small probability, the probability of it occurring is almost negligible
Actually, "Borel's Law" does not say that- that's just directly from the definition of probability. "Borel's Law" (not really a law in the mathematical sense, just a "rule of thumb") says that you can find a "cut off" so that events with probability less than that cut off number can't reallistically happen under whatever conditons you have set (length of time you are letting the "experiment" run, etc.). Of course, that "cut off" will depend upon the additional conditions you have set.

b) If you have a monkey typing for infinity, then the chance of the monkey typing out Hamlet is almost certain
Theoretically yes. But other than "theoretically" the situaltion is meaningless.

Thanks!

Probably one of the websites you looked at was this:
http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/abioprob/borelfaq.html
which points out that the "creationist" argument based on "Borel's Law" tend to ignore the non-random determinants in evolution- exactly the things that Darwin's argument was based on. Creationists typically see no intermediate position between "determined by God" and "completely random".
 
  • #3
HallsofIvy said:
I'm not sure what you mean by "any range of numbers" but, yes, a "probability" cannot be less than 0 nor larger than 1.
I meant any range of numbers between 0 and 1

HallsofIvy said:
No, that is not true. You can never say something will happen in probability.
so if say the probability of a chimpanzee typing out the whole script of Hamlet is 0.000000000000000000000001 (you get the idea) but if the chimp has infinity time to do it, it WILL NEVER occur?





HallsofIvy said:
Probably one of the websites you looked at was this:
http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/abioprob/borelfaq.html
which points out that the "creationist" argument based on "Borel's Law" tend to ignore the non-random determinants in evolution- exactly the things that Darwin's argument was based on. Creationists typically see no intermediate position between "determined by God" and "completely random".
What do you mean by non random determinants?

Thanks for your help, much appreciated!
 
  • #4
Originally Posted by HallsofIvy
No, that is not true. You can never say something will happen in probability.

Ukitake Jyuushirou said:
so if say the probability of a chimpanzee typing out the whole script of Hamlet is 0.000000000000000000000001 (you get the idea) but if the chimp has infinity time to do it, it WILL NEVER occur?

No, I didn't say anything like that! Are you thinking that the only possibllities are "must happen" and "will never happen"? "Probable" and "possible" are quite different things. Given each letter equally likely, it is possible that, in an infinite string of letters you get "aaaaaa...", all a's. On the other hand, it is also possible that the letter "a" will never occur. Neither one "must" happen.




What do you mean by non random determinants?

Thanks for your help, much appreciated!
I mean, of course, natural selection which will weed out fatal mutations.
 
  • #5
HallsofIvy said:
No, I didn't say anything like that! Are you thinking that the only possibllities are "must happen" and "will never happen"? "Probable" and "possible" are quite different things. Given each letter equally likely, it is possible that, in an infinite string of letters you get "aaaaaa...", all a's. On the other hand, it is also possible that the letter "a" will never occur. Neither one "must" happen.

In statistical terms, how would u define probable and possible?
 

1. What is the purpose of statistics?

Statistics is a branch of mathematics that involves the collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, and organization of data. Its purpose is to provide a means of understanding and making informed decisions based on data.

2. What is the difference between descriptive and inferential statistics?

Descriptive statistics involves summarizing and presenting data in a meaningful way, such as through measures of central tendency and variability. Inferential statistics involves making generalizations and predictions about a larger population based on a sample of data.

3. How can I determine which statistical test to use for my data?

The type of statistical test to use depends on the research question and the type of data being analyzed. Consult with a statistician or use resources such as online guides or textbooks to determine the appropriate test for your specific situation.

4. What is the role of probability in statistics?

Probability is a fundamental concept in statistics that measures the likelihood of an event occurring. It is used to make predictions and draw conclusions about a population based on a sample of data.

5. How can I ensure the accuracy and reliability of my statistical analysis?

To ensure the accuracy and reliability of statistical analysis, it is important to carefully plan the study design, collect high-quality data, and use appropriate statistical methods. It is also essential to check for potential biases and errors, and replicate the analysis to ensure consistent results.

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