Gedankensimulation: An intuitive way to communicate statistical ideas


Book: 
Mathematics and computer education
Authors: 
Jones, K. S.
Category: 
Volume: 
26(3)
Pages: 
292-306
Year: 
1992
Abstract: 

Einstein called special physics experiments that he did in his head gedankenexperiments (which means "thought experiments"). Can such mental experiments, or simulations, be used in statistics? In this article, I'll provide some examples of how gedankensimulation can be be used either to illustrate an important idea or to help solve problems in probability and statistics.

The CAUSE Research Group is supported in part by a member initiative grant from the American Statistical Association’s Section on Statistics and Data Science Education