Escape from Model Land

A brilliant account of how models are so often abused and of how they should be used -- John Kay A wise, lucid and compelling guide to how mathematical modelling shapes our world. Dr Thompson teaches us how to go from being unthinking consumers of models to sophisticated users, combining a rich variety of vivid examples and case studies with deep conceptual expertise -- Stian Westlake, CEO, Royal Statistical Society Demystifies the process of making the mathematical models that are increasingly used to make decisions about our lives . . . A thought-provoking and helpful guide for data scientists and decision makers alike -- Stephanie Hare, author of TECHNOLOGY IS NOT NEUTRAL Carefully researched and beautifully written . . . For an open-minded reader keen to expose, understand and potentially reconstruct their own worldview, Escape from Model Land is, at the same time, an uncomfortable and uplifting read. It shines a gentle light on many of our own norms and beliefs -- Kevin Anderson An eye-opening account . . . Thompson offers a host of lessons . . . The result is a thoughtful, convincing look at how data works -- Publisher's Weekly Brilliant . . . a highly engaging work of popular science -- E&T Magazine [A] healthy realism about data, algorithms and their limitations . . . Thompson asks data scientists to be conscious of the choices and values in a model's design . . . [offering] the basis for a constructive agenda -- The Economist