History of Statistics

In this course we explore how statistical ideas developed historically, beginning with the emergence of data collection in the late 17th century and concluding with modern reflections on big data and AI. Through discussion of primary source material, we examine how key individuals and historical problems culminate in the creation of statistical methods. In the course we recreate historical experiments, analyses, and visualizations using modern tools, gaining insight into how concepts such as uncertainty, error, evidence, and inference evolved over time. We will examine ethical questions that can arise from data collection and analysis and reflect on how historical perspectives inform the use of statistics today. (STAT 0201, or STAT 0116, or ECON 0111, or BIOL 0211, or PSYC 0201)