Statistics, computer science students collaborate on real-world data problems through mini-think tanks
What is the difference between statistics and data science—and, perhaps more importantly, why do we have two fields with what seems to be the same focus? The best way to understand the emergence of data science as a separate discipline, explains Herman "Gene" Ray, director of the Center for Statistics and Analytical Research at Kennesaw State University, is to see data science as the merger of computer science and statistics. "Most traditional statistics programs teach you a lot of theory and how to work out problems by hand," he says. "Computer applications are something of an afterthought. But businesses aren't going to analyze 100 million records by hand; they're dealing with huge convenience samples. And that's where data science steps in."