# Exploration, inference and prediction in neuroscience and biomedicine

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1903.10310 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1903.10310/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 21 Feb 2019.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Generating Physical Dynamics under Priors](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2409.00730/) (2024)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The last decades saw dramatic progress in brain research. These advances were often buttressed by probing single variables to make circumscribed discoveries, typically through null hypothesis significance testing. New ways for generating massive data fueled tension between the traditional methodology, used to infer statistically relevant effects in carefully-chosen variables, and pattern-learning algorithms, used to identify predictive signatures by searching through abundant information. In this article, we detail the antagonistic philosophies behind two quantitative approaches: certifying robust effects in understandable variables, and evaluating how accurately a built model can forecast future outcomes. We discourage choosing analysis tools via categories like 'statistics' or 'machine learning'. Rather, to establish reproducible knowledge about the brain, we advocate prioritizing tools in view of the core motivation of each quantitative analysis: aiming towards mechanistic insight, or optimizing predictive accuracy.