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The Art of Deceptive Statistics

Author: James Carlson

Before You Watch the Videos

     The goal here is to demonstrate how someone can

present statistical data in such a way that you can be

misinformed. Someone can use data to make you think

something that isn't necessarily true. Of course, I can't

give you every example of statistical abuse, but I hope

you begin to look at graphs and data more closely.

 

     Start questioning that person's intent with their data,

and start questioning where and how the data was

obtained.

 

    Note:

One of my videos got messed up so I had to pull it. I

really believe the website at the bottom will be your

biggest help here.

Example 1

Source: Johnson, Robert. Elementary Statistics, Sixth Edition. PWS-KENT Publishing Company. Boston, 1992

Example 2 (was supposed to be 3rd before my video broke)

Source: Source: Johnson, Robert. Elementary Statistics, Sixth Edition. PWS-KENT Publishing Company. Boston, 1992

Check this out!

These are some good examples of faulty statisics

with good explanations of what's wrong with the

presentation of that data.

 

Especially, look at the example about women in

science, and how the website criticizing bad stats

makes sure to site a good source.