ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Statistical decision theory

Statistical decision theory is like playing a game where you have to make choices based on what you know or don't know. Let's say you want to decide whether to bring a jacket outside. You know it's rainy but you don't know how cold it is. Statistical decision theory helps you decide if you should bring a jacket or not based on the information you have.

It works by using math to calculate the best choice to make. Think of math as a superhero that helps you make decisions. To use math, you need to know some statistics, which is just a fancy name for numbers that tell you about things like averages, chances, and probabilities.

When you use statistical decision theory, you have some possible choices and you want to know which one is the best. You also have some information that helps you make your decision, but you're not sure it's correct. You use math to figure out which choice is most likely to help you achieve your goal.

Let's say you're playing a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors with your friend. You know that your friend usually picks rock, but you're not sure what he'll pick this time. Statistical decision theory helps you decide which option to choose that will give you the best chance of winning.

So, statistical decision theory is a way to use math and statistics to help you make good choices when there are uncertainties that could affect the outcome of your decision. It's like having a superhero on your side to help you make smart choices.