Lectures for chemists on statistics. I. Belief, probability, frequency, and statistics: decision making in a floating world

Abstract

A brief account on the development of probability theory and statistics is given. These subjects may help the chemist to interpret the information content of his experimental data. Their source and validity, however, is often unclear. A series of papers, of which this is the first, intends to present a clearer view by illustrating the origin of the data-analysis tools. The major figures in this field are mentioned, their achievements presented and the mutual links outlined. The intention is the provision of a common basis for the discussion of statistical aspects relevant to metrology in chemistry. The chemist should see probability theory and statistics as tools to assist in the daily practice of data interpretation to arrive at an objective conclusion.