So tell me know, can you figure out,
The clues I'll give are all about
A subject many really quite hate,
The moment they hear it, from the gate.
It really is useful, as science would say,
Scientific conclusions use it every day.
The chances too are great, can you see
If you use it, or hear what they may be.
Consider now these clues, not so mean.
Stay away from numbered errors, as they're seen.
So check the clues, the hidden and viewed
Something's lurking, what do you conclude?
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4 Answers
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3
Is it
Statistics?
So tell me know, can you figure out,
The clues I'll give are all about
A subject many really quite hate,
The moment they hear it, from the gate.
Many people have a negative attitude towards statistics: there are lies, there are damned lies, and there is statistics.
It really is useful, as science would say,
Scientific conclusions use it every day.
Statistics is used everywhere in science, from physics over chemistry and biology to economics.
The chances too are great, can you see
If you use it, or hear what they may be.
Consider now these clues, not so mean.
Stay away from numbered errors, as they're seen.
"chances", "mean", "errors": standard terms in statistics
So check the clues, the hidden and viewed
Something's lurking, what do you conclude?
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1
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$\begingroup$ Well done, and the first! That was fast. $\endgroup$ Apr 6, 2015 at 15:32
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1$\begingroup$ ... but you failed to catch the most obvious clue :-/ $\endgroup$ Apr 6, 2015 at 20:18
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1
My guess is that it is
Statistics / Probability
And the hidden clue is the first letter of each line:
STATISTICSSS
So tell me know, can you figure out,
The clues I'll give are all about
A subject many really quite hate,
I certainly did not enjoy my statistics courses
The moment they hear it, from the gate.
"From the gate" could refer to various kinds of animal racing and odds are given in all such races for the purposes of betting
It really is useful, as science would say,
Scientific conclusions use it every day.
All good scientific conclusions based on data will include a statistical probability of the conclusions being accurate
The chances too are great, can you see
If you use it, or hear what they may be.
"Chances" is another term for probability
Consider now these clues, not so mean.
"Mean" is a term used in statistics to mean the average
Stay away from numbered errors, as they're seen.
We want to avoid errors in data collection as that'll mess up the conclusion. Small errors are one indicator of good data.
So check the clues, the hidden and viewed
Something's lurking, what do you conclude?
answered Apr 6, 2015 at 15:30
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$\begingroup$ Just beat out by Martin. Lawrence found the hidden clue, but didn't say what it was. $\endgroup$ Apr 6, 2015 at 15:33
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The answer is
Statistics.
Martin was too quick with the rest of the clues, but here's the hidden clue:
Acrostic
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2
Sounds like
Math
A subject many really quite hate,
The moment they hear it, from the gate.
Many people dislike math
It really is useful, as science would say,
Scientific conclusions use it every day.
Math is useful in science!
The chances too are great, can you see
If you use it, or hear what they may be.
Probability is part of math
Consider now these clues, not so mean.
Stay away from numbered errors, as they're seen.
"numbered" -> "numbers" -> "math"
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$\begingroup$ Very close, and on the right track, but not quite. There are a couple more clues you are not finding. $\endgroup$ Apr 6, 2015 at 15:22
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$\begingroup$ The extra clue is probably related to the gates of horse racing... ;) $\endgroup$ Apr 6, 2015 at 15:23