Philosophical Considerations and Computer Packages

Abstract

Scientific research has become an area of enormous data production. Reams of data are routinely generated as the trend towards quantification within the sciences has increased. The need for sound mathematical methods for analyzing these data is crucial. Often data are continually produced without stopping for such analyses. The result can be the production of large amounts of inferior data. Studying the mathematical patterns underlying the data can often help to determine the best next step in the analysis and to draw meaningful conclusions from the data already gathered. Moreover, such studies may reveal that better experimental designs can be devised and implemented effectively. Also, underlying properties of the data, not directly measurable, but related to the data being produced, may be studied, and predictions related to the scientific content of the data, and future data, become possible.