:social science number: [IBM] n. A statistic that is
{content-free}, or nearly so. A measure derived via methods of
questionable validity from data of a dubious and vague nature.
Predictively, having a social science number in hand is seldom much
better than nothing, and can be considerably worse. {Management}
loves them. See also {numbers}, {math-out}, {pretty
pictures}.
-- The AI Hackers Dictionary
{content-free}, or nearly so. A measure derived via methods of
questionable validity from data of a dubious and vague nature.
Predictively, having a social science number in hand is seldom much
better than nothing, and can be considerably worse. {Management}
loves them. See also {numbers}, {math-out}, {pretty
pictures}.
-- The AI Hackers Dictionary
Related:
- social science number n. //
[IBM] A statistic that is
content-free,
or nearly so. A measure derived via methods of ... - math-out: [poss. from `white-out' (the blizzard variety)] n.
A paper or presentation so encrusted with mathematical... - numbers: [scientific computation] n. Output of a computation that
may not be significant results but at least indicate that the
program is running.
May be used to placate management, grant sponsors... - math-out n.
[poss. from `white-out' (the blizzard variety)]
A paper or presentation so encrusted with mathematical or other
formal notation as to be incomprehensible.
This may be a device for concealing the fact that... - numbers n.
[scientific computation] Output of a computation
that may not be significant results but at least indicate that the
program is running.
May be used to placate management, grant sponsors... - to a zeroth approximation: [from `to a first approximation'] A
*really* sloppy approximation;
a wild guess. Compare {social science number}.... - number-crunching: n. Computations of a numerical nature,
esp. those that make extensive use of floating-point... - pretty pictures: n. [scientific computation] The next step up from
{numbers}.
Interesting graphical output from a program that may... - hop: 1. n. One file transmission in a series required to get a
file from point A to point B on a store-and-forward network.
On such networks (including {UUCPNET} and {FidoNet})...
