Discussion on “The Small-N Problem in High Energy Physics” by G. Cowan and “Bayesian Methods in Particle Physics from Small-N to Large” by H. B. Prosper

摘要

Though they address similar problems, the papers are different in important ways. Professor Cowan has provided an informative review of the problem, and its implications to high energy physics. It is surprising that such a simple problem is so perplexing. Professor Prosper writes as an advocate of the Bayesian approach and shows how it can be implemented. As far a foundations go, we applaud the emphasis on specific problems, believing that success stories will do more to spread the Bayesian word than foundational arguments. We also agree that both Bayesian and frequentist methods are needed. We enjoyed both papers having worked on related problems ourselves.