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Using Bayesian parameter estimation to learn more from data without black boxes

In an age of expensive experiments and hype around new data-driven methods, researchers understandably want to ensure they are gleaning as much insight from their data as possible. Rachel C. Kurchin argues that there is still plenty to be learned from older approaches without turning to black boxes.

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Fig. 1: Bayesian parameter estimation for experiments on a projectile launched from a height of 0 with unknown initial velocity and subject to unknown gravitational acceleration.

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Acknowledgements

The author gratefully acknowledges J. Wang, J. Freudenburg, and P. Komiske for helpful conversations, suggestions and topical references.

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Correspondence to Rachel C. Kurchin.

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Kurchin, R.C. Using Bayesian parameter estimation to learn more from data without black boxes. Nat Rev Phys 6, 152–154 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42254-024-00698-0

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