“Since all models are wrong the scientist cannot obtain a "correct" one by excessive elaboration. On the contrary following William of Occam he should seek an economical description of natural phenomena. Just as the ability to devise simple but evocative models is the signature of the great scientist so overelaboration and overparameterization is often the mark of mediocrity.”

—  George E. P. Box

Source: Science and Statistics (1976), p. 792

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George E. P. Box photo
George E. P. Box 14
British statistician 1919–2013

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