目的系统探讨高尔顿(Francis Galton,1822-1911)发现“相关理论”的历史过程。方法历史分析和文献考证。结果高尔顿是相关理论的创始人之一,他从遗传学工作进入统计学领域,并发明了回归的方法,而我们所熟知的相关理论,仅仅是回归的一个巧妙推论。结论“相关理论”是统计学诞生之初最先建立的重要理论之一。高尔顿在这个理论的建立过程中,扮演了重要的角色,为统计学的发展开辟了新的道路。
Aim To explore the development of the theory of Correlation systematically. Methods Historical investigation and mathematical analysis. Results Galton is one of the founders of correlation, his research of statistics began with the work in heredity, then invented the regression. But correlation, which familiar with, is only a clever inferences of regression. Conclusion Correlation is one of the most important methods in the beginning of Statistics, Galton played a key role in the process of the establishment of the theory, and opened up a new path for the development of Statistics.