PhilSci Archive

Using Models to Correct Data: Paleodiversity and the Fossil Record

Bokulich, Alisa (2018) Using Models to Correct Data: Paleodiversity and the Fossil Record. [Preprint]

[img]
Preview
Text
Bokulich-Using Models to Correct Data-preprint.pdf

Download (500kB) | Preview

Abstract

Despite an enormous philosophical literature on models in science, surprisingly little has been written about data models and how they are constructed. In this paper, I examine the case of how paleodiversity data models are constructed from the fossil data. In particular, I show how paleontologists are using various model-based techniques to correct the data. Drawing on this research, I argue for the following related theses: First, the 'purity' of a data model is not a measure of its epistemic reliability. Instead it is the fidelity of the data that matters. Second, the fidelity of a data model in capturing the signal of interest is a matter of degree. Third, the fidelity of a data model can be improved 'vicariously', such as through the use of post hoc model-based correction techniques. And, fourth, data models, like theoretical models, should be assessed as adequate (or inadequate) for particular purposes.


Export/Citation: EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL
Social Networking:
Share |

Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Bokulich, Alisaabokulic@bu.edu
Additional Information: Forthcoming in Synthese
Keywords: scientific model, data model, earth science, paleodiversity, paleontology, fossil, fidelity, reliability, data, model
Subjects: General Issues > Data
General Issues > Confirmation/Induction
Specific Sciences > Earth Sciences
General Issues > Models and Idealization
Depositing User: Alisa Bokulich
Date Deposited: 18 May 2018 18:58
Last Modified: 18 May 2018 18:58
Item ID: 14688
Subjects: General Issues > Data
General Issues > Confirmation/Induction
Specific Sciences > Earth Sciences
General Issues > Models and Idealization
Date: 2018
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/14688

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Monthly Downloads for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item