Abstract
Cousin to Charles Darwin and a talented statistician, Sir Francis Galton had an influence on social science that was profound. His major contributions to mathematical statistics included the initial development of quantiles and linear regression techniques. Along with F. Y. Edgeworth and Karl Pearson, he developed general techniques of multiple regression and correlation analysis, statistical devices that serve as substitutes for experiments in social science. Galton had a major impact on economics, and with W. R. Greg, was instrumental in creating the “science” of eugenics.
Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Date
2008
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2008 Macmillan Reference USA. This chapter first appeared in International Encyclopedia of Social Science.
Please note that downloads of the book chapter are for private/personal use only.
Purchase online at Macmillan Reverence USA.
Recommended Citation
Peart, Sandra J., and David M. Levy. "Sir Francis Galton." In International Encyclopedia of Social Science, edited by William Darity, 247-48. 2nd ed. Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA, 2008.