Parsimony (Dictionary Entry)

Owned by David Doret
Last updated: 10-39-2020
1 min read

Contexts

Science

Term

Parsimony

Alternative Forms

N/A

Definitions

The ability to devise simple but evocative models, without overelaboration or overparameterization.

Related Terms

  • Flexibility

Quotes

2.3 Parsimony

Since all models are wrong the scientist cannot obtain a "correct" one by excessive elaboration. On the contrary following William of Occam he should seek an economical description of natural phenomena. Just as the ability to devise simple but evocative models is the signature of the great scientist so overelaboration and overparameterization is often the mark of mediocrity.

(Box, 1976, p. 792)

Bibliography

See Also

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