NetNews Usenet Archive 1992 #27/NN_1992_27.iso/spool/bit/listserv/statl/1990

Text File | 1992-11-17 | 1.9 KB | 39 lines

Comments: Gated by [e-mail]
Path: sparky!uunet!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!uwm.edu!psuvax1!psuvm!auvm!BINGVMB.BITNET!LJONES
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.stat-l
Date:         Tue, 17 Nov 1992 08:56:51 ECT
Sender:       "STATISTICAL CONSULTING" <[e-mail]>
From:         Lary Jones <[e-mail]>
Subject:      Re: So, why assumptions?
In-Reply-To:  Message of Tue,
              17 Nov 1992 06:01:38 EST from <[e-mail]>
Lines: 26

I hesitate to add to a discussion of non-statistical concepts, but here
is my say on phrases such as "rule of thumb."

First of all, while the common understanding of a phrase may provide
guidelines for its usage, there are numerous cases where a phrase may be
appropriately used in one culture and highly insulting in another. The
use of a phrase like "rule of thumb" on STAT-L is probably ok. If it is
insulting to a specific group, and that may not be common knowledge, it
would help if someone could enlighten the group; briefly and with
specific reference. I am ready to change my language given a substantive
reason.

My understanding of "rule of thumb" combines all that has been said. The
first digit of the thumb was a common measure in early cultures.
However, later laws specified that when delivering legal punishment with
a rod or stick, the width of the rod should not exceed the size of the
first digit of the thumb.

What I have just related is based on accumulated knowledge, not research.
OK, I'm game.  Can anybody provide a _verified_ origin to rule of thumb?
You can mail your submissions to me -- personally -- and I will summarize
to those interested ;-)

__________________________________________________________________
Lary Jones...Computing Services...Binghamton Univ...[phone]
School of Management Research Support ...... [e-mail]