Unlike a lot of precise math, randomness deals with ineffable concepts like odds and probabilities — concepts that our brains simply haven't evolved to fully process and grasp; indeed, our brains are actually wired to find patterns and meaning in things that aren’t really there.
Another problem is that randomness tends to mean different things to different people.
For some, randomness suggests a total lack of order in a sequence of symbols or steps such that there’s no intelligible combination or patterns.
Others, namely scientists and mathematicians, describe it as a simple lack of predictability. Randomness in this context implies a certain measure of uncertainty.
But regardless of definition, people still make a lot of mistakes when thinking about it.
The "most common misconceptions" discussed in the (very accessible) piece include:
- Picking Out Patterns
- Items Are “Due” To Come Up
- All Possibilities Are Equally Likely
- Disorder Ensues From Randomness
- All Of Nature Is Potentially Predictable
Learn more here.
