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Activity Number:
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171
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Type:
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Other
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Date/Time:
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Monday, July 30, 2007 : 2:00 PM to 3:50 PM
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Sponsor:
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ASA
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| Abstract - #310431 |
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Title:
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Statistical Analysis of an Archeological Find
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Author(s):
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Andrey Feuerverger*+
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Companies:
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University of Toronto
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Address:
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Department of Statistics, Toronto, ON, M6C 1W3,
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Keywords:
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Abstract:
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An interesting data set originating from an archaeological find and the statistical problems associated with it will be described. In 1980 a burial tomb was unearthed in Jerusalem containing ossuaries (limestone coffins) bearing such inscriptions as Yeshua son of Yehosef, Marya, Yoseh---names which match those of New Testament figures, but which were otherwise in common use. We will discuss some of the statistical issues that arise in authenticating or repudiating links between this find and the New Testament family. An approach is proposed---based on `relevance' and `rareness' of names---for assessing the `surprisingness' of the observed outcome. The important role played by historical assumptions will be discussed. Some unresolved statistical questions (both applied and theoretical in nature) encountered during this work will be described.
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- The address information is for the authors that have a + after their name.
- Authors who are presenting talks have a * after their name.
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