Francis John Anscombe Computing in Statistical Science through APL

Annotation

A t the terminal seated, the answering tone: pond and temple bell. ODAY as in the past, statistical method is profoundly affected by T resources for numerical calculation and visual display. The main line of development of statistical methodology during the first half of this century was conditioned by, and attuned to, the mechanical desk calculator. Now statisticians may use electronic computers of various kinds in various modes, and the character of statistical science has changed accordingly. Some, but not all, modes of modern computation have a flexibility and immediacy reminiscent of the desk calculator. They preserve the virtues of the desk calculator, while immensely exceeding its scope. Prominent among these is the computer language and conversational computing system known by the initials APL. This book is addressed to statisticians. Its first aim is to interest them in using APL in their work-for statistical analysis of data, for numerical support of theoretical studies, for simulation of random processes. In Part A the language is described and illustrated with short examples of statistical calculations. Part B, presenting some more extended examples of statistical analysis of data, has also the further aim of suggesting the interplay of computing and theory that must surely henceforth be typical of the develop- ment of statistical science.