Is there a role for statistics in artificial intelligence?

Advances in Data Analysis and Classification, vol. 16, pp. 823–846

Abstract

Abstract The research on and application of artificial intelligence (AI) has triggered a comprehensive scientific, economic, social and political discussion. Here we argue that statistics, as an interdisciplinary scientific field, plays a substantial role both for the theoretical and practical understanding of AI and for its future development. Statistics might even be considered a core element of AI. With its specialist knowledge of data evaluation, starting with the precise formulation of the research question and passing through a study design stage on to analysis and interpretation of the results, statistics is a natural partner for other disciplines in teaching, research and practice. This paper aims at highlighting the relevance of statistical methodology in the context of AI development. In particular, we discuss contributions of statistics to the field of artificial intelligence concerning methodological development, planning and design of studies, assessment of data quality and data collection, differentiation of causality and associations and assessment of uncertainty in results. Moreover, the paper also discusses the equally necessary and meaningful extensions of curricula in schools and universities to integrate statistical aspects into AI teaching.

Authors 14

1. Sarah Friedrich

   Universitätsmedizin Göttingen · University of Göttingen

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany

   Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center Göttingen; Göttingen, Germany

2. Gerd Antes

   University of Freiburg · University Medical Center Freiburg

   Affiliation as printed

   Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany

3. Sigrid Behr

   Novartis (Switzerland)

   Affiliation as printed

   Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland

   Novartis Pharma AG , Basel , Switzerland

4. Harald Binder

   University of Freiburg · University Medical Center Freiburg

   Affiliation as printed

   Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany

5. Werner Brannath

   University of Bremen

   Affiliation as printed

   Competence Center for Clinical Trials and Institute of Statistics, University Bremen, Bremen, Germany

6. Florian Dumpert

   Statistisches Bundesamt

   Affiliation as printed

   Federal Statistical Office of Germany, Wiesbaden, Germany

   Federal Statistical Office of Germany, Wiesbaden, Germany#TAB#

7. Katja Ickstadt

   TU Dortmund University

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Statistics, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany

   Department of Statistics; TU Dortmund University; Dortmund, Germany

8. Hans A. Kestler

   Universität Ulm

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany

   Institute of Medical Systems Biology - Ulm University, Ulm, Germany

9. Johannes Lederer

   Ruhr University Bochum

   Affiliation as printed

   Faculty of Mathematics, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany

10. Heinz Leitgöb
    Affiliation as printed

    Department of Sociology, University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Ingolstadt, Germany

11. Markus Pauly

    TU Dortmund University

    Affiliation as printed

    Department of Statistics, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany

    Department of Statistics; TU Dortmund University; Dortmund, Germany

12. Ansgar Steland Aachen

    RWTH Aachen University

    Affiliation as printed

    RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

    RWTH Aachen, University, Aachen, Germany

13. Adalbert Wilhelm

    Constructor University

    Affiliation as printed

    Jacobs University Bremen, Bremen, Germany

    Jacobs University Bremen,Bremen,Germany

14. Tim Friede corresponding

    Universitätsmedizin Göttingen · University of Göttingen

    Affiliation as printed

    Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany

    University of Gottingen;