Category Archives: Tools and methods

An Effective Framework for Verification, Validation, and Accreditation

I recently encountered a formal methodology for conducting VV&A efforts that I think is worthy of your consideration. Briefly, Verification shows whether a system works as specified, Validation shows whether the specification addresses the correct problem, and Accreditation shows whether … Continue reading

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How Not to Miss Things in a Discovery Process

I’ve been part of a lot of discovery efforts and have found a few ways to increase the chances of identifying all the relevant factors. I plan to discuss these only informally. Volumes of ink and electrons have been spilled … Continue reading

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Building Tools

Most generally, a tool is a means of accomplishing some end. If one uses the right tool for the job it is a more efficient and effective means than other alternatives. Naturally we’re always trying to use the optimal tool. … Continue reading

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Calculus… or Statistics?

Most roads in mathematics instruction seem to lead to calculus before any but the most basic statistics. Many statistical techniques require calculus to derive, but it isn’t usually necessary, short of advanced or novel applications, to know calculus when applying … Continue reading

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