TIA, ESP, and data mining humility

TIA – the new ESP research? [SATN]

…And I am afraid that the country is unable to understand that the so-called scientists (including Adm. Poindexter) who are leading this are about as clueless as the ESP researchers were, as to their biases, etc. Clever computer science, even powerful and correct computer science, will serve the same role in this process that the powerful statistical methods served in the Dr. Rhine’s ESP research enterprise. The math was not wrong… but it helped create a delusion.

Typical smart, thought provoking, commentary from David Reed about the dangers of data mining and powerful statistical techniques when used to ask vague and stupid questions.

David deeply understands that powerful tools are dangerous unless they are wielded very carefully by people you can trust.