How about that Bayes: Bayesian techniques and the simple pendulum
Published in arXiv, 2021
Physics increasingly relies on Bayesian techniques for rigorous data analysis and modelto-data comparison. This paper describes how these methods can be implemented to answer questions of relevance to the teaching of introductory physics concepts. It demonstrates the proper application of statistical approaches to quantitatively assess when more complex calculations are necessitated by data. The case study of a simple pendulum allows for the incorporation of the precision commonly found in introductory physics laboratories in order to rigorously assess model preference between the small angle and exact expressions for the period. This extends the current simple pendulum literature’s focus on individual assessments of different approximations to the exact solution to place such discussions on a data-driven foundation and provides guidance to instructors for teaching laboratory design.
Recommended citation: M. Heffernan (2021). "How about that Bayes: Bayesian techniques and the simple pendulum." arXiv preprint 2104.08621
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