wikipedia.com - "statistics is a mathematical science pertaining to the collection, analysis, interpretation or explanation, and presentation of data"more specifically, within the information maximisation -via trend/pattern finding- part, there are two options
a- direct application of regression methods [regression analysis]
b- specific model application
group b- theories apply group a- methods, but intending to HIDE their main limitation [maximum of 2 independent variables] on the basis of "we can everything"
consequences of such a proceeding
- arbitrarily affecting calculations [user defined parameters] = acceptable
- errors = unavoidable
