Interestingly during the last Hamburg meetup we also had a discussion about the equationness of “The Procrastination Equation”. It was argued that the usage of an equation in this case is fallacious. It implies a mathematical dependency that is not there. It suggests optimization steps that may be inapproriate. And it focusses away from other problems. Another way to phrase it: The equation is an extreme case of oversimplification.
For example it suggests that the four variables are independent. They are not. And it suggests linearity which is not there either. And it implies that these variables can be measured. Have you tried this?
In the meetup the general pattern of proposing a simple equation for a complex problem was terms “math fallacy”. The erroneous belief that modelling something with an equation solves it. Even if you know that it is an (over)simplification doesn’t mean that all people using that equation later know it too.
Now I don’t want to argue against the four basic procrastination effects aren’t there, but you could have stated the same better without an equation. Why use an equation? Because it is cool (I could understand that)?
Love xkcd. Spherical cows and all that. But appropriate parsimony is a desirable feature. Here’s a summary of whether the equation does a good job of summarizing the science:
Also, from the book “The Procrastination Equation”
The Procrastination Equation attempts to economically describe the underlying neurobiology that creates procrastination. I will tell you right now; the biology and the math won’t match exactly. A road map of a city, for example, no matter how recent or detailed, can’t represent every corner and crevasse of reality; it skips over details like architectural styles or fire hydrant placement. Judiciously focusing on streets and highways allows the map to emphasize navigation. If this big picture doesn’t satisfy you and you want all the details, don’t fret. The next chapter will give you what you are looking for.
The next chapter discusses it from a neurobiological perspective, which ultimately provides deeper understanding. I think as along as people recognize the purpose of the equation, and that it actually is a step up in complexity from what was previously used, as well as not mistaking the map for the land, it works.
Interestingly during the last Hamburg meetup we also had a discussion about the equationness of “The Procrastination Equation”. It was argued that the usage of an equation in this case is fallacious. It implies a mathematical dependency that is not there. It suggests optimization steps that may be inapproriate. And it focusses away from other problems. Another way to phrase it: The equation is an extreme case of oversimplification.
For example it suggests that the four variables are independent. They are not. And it suggests linearity which is not there either. And it implies that these variables can be measured. Have you tried this?
In the meetup the general pattern of proposing a simple equation for a complex problem was terms “math fallacy”. The erroneous belief that modelling something with an equation solves it. Even if you know that it is an (over)simplification doesn’t mean that all people using that equation later know it too.
Now I don’t want to argue against the four basic procrastination effects aren’t there, but you could have stated the same better without an equation. Why use an equation? Because it is cool (I could understand that)?
See also http://xkcd.com/793/
The equation in the posts is somewhat simplified, but backed by experimental data.
Interesting. This of course invalidates most of my argument regarding this specific equation.
I think the general idea of a “math fallacy” is correct though.
Love xkcd. Spherical cows and all that. But appropriate parsimony is a desirable feature. Here’s a summary of whether the equation does a good job of summarizing the science:
http://studiemetro.au.dk/fileadmin/www.studiemetro.au.dk/Procrastination_2.pdf
Also, from the book “The Procrastination Equation”
The Procrastination Equation attempts to economically describe the underlying neurobiology that creates procrastination. I will tell you right now; the biology and the math won’t match exactly. A road map of a city, for example, no matter how recent or detailed, can’t represent every corner and crevasse of reality; it skips over details like architectural styles or fire hydrant placement. Judiciously focusing on streets and highways allows the map to emphasize navigation. If this big picture doesn’t satisfy you and you want all the details, don’t fret. The next chapter will give you what you are looking for.
The next chapter discusses it from a neurobiological perspective, which ultimately provides deeper understanding. I think as along as people recognize the purpose of the equation, and that it actually is a step up in complexity from what was previously used, as well as not mistaking the map for the land, it works.