In education, theory is essential, but real-world application is where true learning happens. Knowledge acquired in graduate school, such as in statistics or data science, is necessary for using the 'chainsaw' efficiently, but thoughtfulness in application is equally crucial. Employers seek individuals who can wield knowledge effectively, regardless of where the 'trees fall.' Teaching critical thinking alongside technical skills is often overlooked in traditional education, even though it is highly valued by employers.
There's often a gap between the textbook treatment of statistics and the cookbook treatment--how to cook up the numbers when you're in the kitchen of the real world. Jeremy Weber of the University of Pittsburgh and the author of Statistics for Public Policy hopes his book can close that gap. He talks to EconTalk host Russ Roberts about how to use numbers thoughtfully and honestly.