by Paul F. Watson (Author of The Weibull Bible)
Introduction:
Weibull Analysis can describe phenomena of interest to scientists,
engineers & medical professionals. It can describe phenomena ranging
from earthquake severity to probable number of annual flu infections. A
wide audience exists with potential interest; but, the question arises
“How difficult is learning Weibull?”
Given diverse background of potential learners, a fair response is
difficult; but, the following brief article will bound the problem. A
“broad brush” answer is that Weibull Analysis is similar to Algebra I in
terms of the time & dedication needed; but, quality introductory
learning materials are few.
The Learning Hurdle:
The difficulty of learning Weibull depends on your background. Any of the
following will help:
An appropriate book can help any of these areas.
Below, I have classified math subjects according to my experience.
Assuming a learner has a good beginner’s book, I believe Weibull Analysis
to be roughly equivalent to the “Easy” category shown above. It is likely
to take the same level of effort, as Algebra I, although statistics always
demands learners look at problems in unusual ways that some people find
challenging.
The Study Material Challenge: (Internet Articles & Books)
Internet: Weibull Analysis is an integrated group of concepts &
equations, just like algebra, analytic geometry or calculus. If presented
“out of order” the reader develops some concepts, but does not become a
capable analyst. Internet articles rarely train a good analyst.
The Internet also presents an occasional “Masters Thesis” or other
advanced Weibull study. Most readers lack strong statistical &
mathematical backgrounds for these. We may conclude that learning Weibull
Analysis from Internet is unlikely to be successful.
Corporate Education: Some large corporations employ PhD statisticians who
address complex problems & sometimes teach statistics courses. These
experts have great knowledge; but, are often not good teachers. If you are
in a company with such opportunity, you should definitely request training
taught by experts. You will be exposed to an organized presentation by
someone who really understands Weibull.
Weibull Books: A quick Internet search reveals few books that teach basic
Weibull analysis. These books usually present material from one of two
perspectives:
1. Books that teach analysis methods (but not underlying
concepts).
2. Books that teach both underlying concepts + analysis
methods.
Methods Only: Weibull Analysis truly makes sense, but like all statistics,
the learner has to “turn his head just so” to understand the ideas. The
learner exposed to a “methods only” book will find it time consuming &
difficult to figure out underlying ideas. The analyst without deep
understanding is likely to perform incorrect analyses.
Underlying Concepts + Analysis Methods: A thorough understanding of “basic
concepts” provides the analyst with the tools to understand what data is
saying, & how it should be analyzed. These assets enable him/her to
approach unique problems effectively.
Recommended Books:
I have read several Introductory Weibull books. Two stand out as possible
textbooks.
Conclusion:
It is difficult to predict how challenging you might find Weibull
Analysis; however, it is not more challenging than Algebra I. The
practicing engineer is likely to learn Weibull after 6 weeks of daily
study (60 to 80 hrs). I do not believe Weibull can be learned from
piecemeal Internet articles. Finding the right book is essential.
Note: I am the author of The Weibull Bible. The Weibull Bible provides
deep understanding without relying on extensive mathematical proofs (which
are provided in appendices). Details available at
https://www.weibullbible.com
Copyright 2022 by Paul F. Watson
All Rights Reserved
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