Simpson's paradox is a paradox from statistics. It is named after Edward H. Simpson, a British statistician who first described it in 1951. The statistician Karl Pearson described a very similar effect in 1899.- Udny Yule's description dates from 1903. Sometimes, it is called the Yule–Simpson effect. When looking at the statistical scores of groups, these scores may change, depending on whether the groups are looked at one by one, or if they are combined into a larger group. This case often occurs in social sciences and medical statistics. It may confuse people, if frequency data is used to explain a causal relationship. Other names for the paradox include reversal paradox and amalgamation paradox.
Simpson's paradox
Questions and Answers
Q: What is Simpson's paradox?
A: Simpson's paradox is a paradox from statistics where the statistical scores of groups may change depending on whether the groups are looked at one by one or if they are combined into a larger group.
Q: Who is Edward H. Simpson?
A: Edward H. Simpson is a British statistician who first described Simpson's paradox in 1951.
Q: When was the Yule-Simpson effect first described?
A: The Yule-Simpson effect was first described in 1903 by Udny Yule.
Q: What is the Yule-Simpson effect?
A: The Yule-Simpson effect is another name for Simpson's paradox.
Q: In what fields does Simpson's paradox often occur?
A: Simpson's paradox often occurs in social sciences and medical statistics.
Q: Why may Simpson's paradox confuse people?
A: Simpson's paradox may confuse people if frequency data is used to explain a causal relationship.
Q: What are other names for Simpson's paradox?
A: Other names for Simpson's paradox include reversal paradox and amalgamation paradox.