Categorical data analysis by AIC

The main purpose of statistical analysis is to construct models (probability distributions) of stochastic phenomena in order to estimate future distributions from observed data, and finally to predict and control those phenomena. For this purpose, the following are essential: (1) the construction of an appropriate probability distribution, that is, a statistical model, in accordance with an analyst’s objective; and (2) the introduction of a unified criterion to evaluate the goodness of the assumed model. Therefore, the progress of statistics is supported by the development of new models and the introduction of a more unified criterion.