Wandering off topic.

[Holly Goodhead]

How can you compare Neanderthal times with the 21st century?

It’s two entirely different worlds.

Are you suggesting we should revert back to living like they did in the Stone ages?

Are you suggesting some today don't live like Neanderthals?

Anthropology isn't just about how humans lived years ago. 

[Holly Goodhead]

So?

My best friend’s father dies too, and he also lectures.

I find anthropology extremely interesting, but it isn’t a science.

So?

Society requires a broad range of skills and knowledge to function. 

[Nicholas]

Are you suggesting some today don't live like Neanderthals?

Some people might describe Bamber’s behaviour as ‘Neanderthal’

[Nicholas]

So?

Society requires a broad range of skills and knowledge to function.

Does society require ‘Neanderthals’ like Bamber?

[ISpyWithMyEye]

Yes.  Maths for research and stats.  Chemistry in terms of the brain, hormones, nervous system.

There’s a huge difference between researching statistics for psychology to being an Applied Mathematician who uses
techniques, such as mathematical modelling and computational methods to formulate and solve practical problems in business, government, engineering, and the physical life.  They have to analyse the most efficient way to schedule airline routes, the aerodynamic characteristics of an experimental automobile, the cost-effectiveness of alternative manufacturing processes...the effects and safety of new drugs..

They also work in industrial research and development where they develop mathematical methods when solving a difficult problem. Some mathematicians — called cryptanalysts — analyse and decipher encryption system & code designed to transmit military, political, financial, law enforcement etc...



Applied mathematicians start with a practical problem, envision its separate elements, and then reduce the elements to mathematical variables. They often use computers to analyse relationships among the variables, and they solve complex problems by developing models with alternative solutions.

I don’t see how looking up or researching statistics can be classed as needing vast knowledge in mathematics...

As an aside, my maths isn’t the best, but it’s been good enough for me to learn to fly both single and twin engine aircraft and fly myself cross country, and over the channel to France, Jersey etc...but I couldn’t possibly envisage learning how to be a cryptanalyst mathematician 😌

[Holly Goodhead]

There’s a huge difference between researching statistics for psychology to being an Applied Mathematician who uses
techniques, such as mathematical modelling and computational methods to formulate and solve practical problems in business, government, engineering, and the physical life.  They have to analyse the most efficient way to schedule airline routes, the aerodynamic characteristics of an experimental automobile, the cost-effectiveness of alternative manufacturing processes...the effects and safety of new drugs..

They also work in industrial research and development where they develop mathematical methods when solving a difficult problem. Some mathematicians — called cryptanalysts — analyse and decipher encryption system & code designed to transmit military, political, financial, law enforcement etc...



Applied mathematicians start with a practical problem, envision its separate elements, and then reduce the elements to mathematical variables. They often use computers to analyse relationships among the variables, and they solve complex problems by developing models with alternative solutions.

I don’t see how looking up or researching statistics can be classed as needing vast knowledge in mathematics...

As an aside, my maths isn’t the best, but it’s been good enough for me to learn to fly both single and twin engine aircraft and fly myself cross country, and over the channel to France, Jersey etc...but I couldn’t possibly envisage learning how to be a cryptanalyst mathematician 😌

I didn't say you need to be a mathematician or statistician but if you don't have reasonable maths skills at say A level standard you would struggle somewhat and/or have to compensate in other areas.

[ISpyWithMyEye]

Are you suggesting some today don't live like Neanderthals?

Anthropology isn't just about how humans lived years ago.

If there are people who live like Neanderthals they’re not in my neck of the woods...

I do know, though, that Neanderthals, for all their lack of knowledge & basic tools, they seemed to have a certain sense of social acceptability which must come naturally. For example, they didn’t smear their bodies in faeces when they got angry and sit around in it for days...

[Holly Goodhead]

If there are people who live like Neanderthals they’re not in my neck of the woods...

I do know, though, that Neanderthals, for all their lack of knowledge & basic tools, they seemed to have a certain sense of social acceptability which must come naturally. For example, they didn’t smear their bodies in faeces when they got angry and sit around in it for days...

But Neanderthals were not caged.

[ISpyWithMyEye]

I didn't say you need to be a mathematician or statistician but if you don't have reasonable maths skills at say A level standard you would struggle somewhat and/or have to compensate in other areas.

I have OK math skills, but it was my weakest point at school and I don’t mind admitting it. Of course I can do basic/average mathematics but I never even tried to take maths as I was pretty hopeless, and actually hated it — on reflection I think I was too lazy to bother. Sounds embarrassing, but it’s the truth. It’s never held me back, though.

Besides, we have calculators now, and as I don’t need how to work out what XY+2m\0.05+.2 is Im not fussed!

[ISpyWithMyEye]

I agree with your last point Spy, after my degree, I had a career in IT, not psychology. However, I think you should remove the word 'simply' from your comment on degree's. There is nothing 'simple' about it.

You’re right, Caroline...I shouldn’t have used the word “simply” — I tend to do that by habit.

I’ve changed it now 😊

[ISpyWithMyEye]

There's nothing simple about A levels either and to get into Russell Group unis today you need the A levels for most courses.

Actually, many A levels can be more difficult to pass than some degrees.

[G-Unit]

There’s a huge difference between researching statistics for psychology to being an Applied Mathematician who uses
techniques, such as mathematical modelling and computational methods to formulate and solve practical problems in business, government, engineering, and the physical life.  They have to analyse the most efficient way to schedule airline routes, the aerodynamic characteristics of an experimental automobile, the cost-effectiveness of alternative manufacturing processes...the effects and safety of new drugs..

They also work in industrial research and development where they develop mathematical methods when solving a difficult problem. Some mathematicians — called cryptanalysts — analyse and decipher encryption system & code designed to transmit military, political, financial, law enforcement etc...



Applied mathematicians start with a practical problem, envision its separate elements, and then reduce the elements to mathematical variables. They often use computers to analyse relationships among the variables, and they solve complex problems by developing models with alternative solutions.

I don’t see how looking up or researching statistics can be classed as needing vast knowledge in mathematics...

As an aside, my maths isn’t the best, but it’s been good enough for me to learn to fly both single and twin engine aircraft and fly myself cross country, and over the channel to France, Jersey etc...but I couldn’t possibly envisage learning how to be a cryptanalyst mathematician 😌

Your understanding of statistics is sparse. They aren't looked up or researched, they are a branch of mathematics.

[ISpyWithMyEye]

But Neanderthals were not caged.

That’s because they were homosapiens with inbred natural instincts not to kill others...

[Holly Goodhead]

I have OK math skills, but it was my weakest point at school and I don’t mind admitting it. Of course I can do basic/average mathematics but I never even tried to take maths as I was pretty hopeless, and actually hated it — on reflection I think I was too lazy to bother. Sounds embarrassing, but it’s the truth. It’s never held me back, though.

Besides, we have calculators now, and as I don’t need how to work out what XY+2m\0.05+.2 is Im not fussed!

I always say maths as opposed to math as it sounds somewhat short tounged!  I think it's about getting the basics right and building on it.  I don't know if I could apply myself to advance maths because I haven't tried and don't have the inclination.  Some people have a natural aptitude for it.

[ISpyWithMyEye]

Your understanding of statistics is sparse. They aren't looked up or researched, they are a branch of mathematics.

Do you think I don’t know what statistics are and how they’re formed?

Despite not being partial to mathematics even I could form statistics!

And statistics DO come from research: how else can a mathematicians, say, work out what percentage of the population is of ethnic minority? They need the figures to work it out. And the only way to get those figures is by research.