Speaker
Prof.
Richard McElreath
(MPI for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig)
Description
Taking inspiration from guerrilla warfare, I discuss a framework for managing scientific research that addresses the complexity of research while advancing goals of transparency and reliability. Real science is complex, there is no single scientific method, and the AI kids are talking about automation. But science is a chaotic network of theories, data, models, graphs, comparisons, summaries, and narratives. A flaw in any part can ruin everything. How can small teams of researchers challenge this complexity and emerge victorious? More statistical training is not enough. More resources is not enough. Lawrence of Arabia once said, “Guerrilla warfare is more intellectual than a bayonet charge.” And this is how we too will win.