blog.sudosu.net » Essential Reading http://blog.sudosu.net Got root? Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:27:36 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 “Super Crunchers” by Ian Ayres http://blog.sudosu.net/2007/super-crunchers-by-ian-ayres/ http://blog.sudosu.net/2007/super-crunchers-by-ian-ayres/#comments Sat, 13 Oct 2007 21:00:35 +0000 schof http://blog.sudosu.net/2007/super-crunchers-by-ian-ayres/ Super Crunchers, by Ian Ayres, is subtitled “Why Thinking-by-Numbers Is the New Way to Be Smart.” It’s all about the use of numerical analysis, regression testing, and randomized assignment to learn more about a variety of topics, from the quality of wine to the quality of medicine — and how to use those techniques for great benefit — either of mankind or of a particular commercial entity. (And like any other technology, the “super crunching” techniques Ayres talks about can be used for good or ill — to test the benefits of a program to empower single mothers, or to determine the exact “pain point” of a consumer and price a good just slightly under that pain point.)

Despite the highly-technical nature of the subject, Ayres does a fantastic job of keeping it accessible and interesting throughout the book. Highly recommended.

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