There’s no need for you to read this one

I had an email exchange with Patrick Steigler the other day that amused me, so I’ll share it with you.

Steigler started with the subject line “Taleb and STDEV vs. MAD” and the message: I came across http://www.edge.org/response-detail/25401 and was wondering what your thoughts on the issue might be.

My reply: How come they never ask me for my opinions in these surveys?

Steigler: Maybe you need to write a book of aphorisms.

me: There’s this:

http://andrewgelman.com/2009/05/24/handy_statistic/

and then this, which some students collected from a course I taught:

http://www.stat.columbia.edu/~gelman/book/gelman_quotes.pdf

Steigler: So, what would you opinion be on the scientific idea that is ready for retirement?

me: I guess it’s a good thing they didn’t ask me!

Steigler: How about the retirement of p value < .05 for significance?

me: Yeah, but that’s too easy. It’s like if someone asks for a pop music recommendation and you say The Beatles.

Steigler: True, but the idea could still use some drum beating about since it does not seem to be as fashionable as The Beatles yet (but hopefully some day!).

via:http://andrewgelman.com/2014/02/16/theres-need-read-one/