Title: Lying with Statistics
1(No Transcript)
2Where the Statistics Lie
3Where the Statistics Lie
- by
- James Guffey
- Professor of Mathematics
- Truman State University
4Quotes
There are three kinds of lies in the world
lies, damned lies, and statistics. -
Benjamin Disraeli
5Quotes
Many people use statistics like a drunk uses a
lamp post ...
6Quotes
Many people use statistics like a drunk uses a
lamp post ... more for support than for
illumination. - Andrew Lang
7Quotes
It aint so much the things we dont know that
get us in trouble. Its the things we know that
aint so. - Artemus Ward
8Some things to consider
- Is there any reason to suspect bias by the source
of the results? - How were the data collected?
- Are the data reasonable?
- Are the data useful and relevant?
- Are the graphs misleading?
9Choice Visa Card
10Choice Visa Card
11Choice Visa Card
12Smart Rate Discover Card
13Smart Rate Discover Card
14Smart Rate Discover Card
15How to Rig a Poll
I would be disappointed if Congress cut its
funding for public tv. Cuts would be...
Readers Digest, July 1995
16How to Rig a Poll
Cuts in funding for public tv are justified as
part of an overall effort to reduce federal
spending. Cuts would be...
Readers Digest, July 1995
17Assessing Poll Results
- Look for actual wording of the poll.
- Beware of false choices.
- Watch for selectively reported poll results.
- Look warily at polls that delve into technical
matters. - Be skeptical of polls commissioned by advocacy
groups.
Readers Digest, July 1995
18Kirksville Daily Express, 2/8/2000
19Healthy Skepticism
Doubt is the beginning, not the end, of
wisdom. - Anonymous
20(No Transcript)