The Statistical Lie

Paper Summary:

The paper relates that one of man's greatest fears is that of the power of numbers. The paper demonstrates how statistics are used to misrepresent, under-represent or over-represent an event, occurrence, situation or phenomenon. The paper defines statistics as a set of numeric values obtained by way of a measurement process. This process can be either one of observation or direct testing. The paper reveals that the most widely used means whereby researchers lie is with statistics, usually for increased profits and sensationalism. The paper illustrates how companies can use a self-selecting population for survey results, or they use obscure definitions and data sets that mislead consumers.

From the Paper:

"For most people numbers are nothing more than a hodgepodge of digits that are bewildering and oftentimes meaningless. As a result individuals often prefer to judge events, occurrences, phenomena, and situations from a traditionalist point of view wherein reason, conclusion, and inferences are made on the basis of past experiences rather than on best practices policies. Justification for historical acceptance is usually based on a fear of numbers and a lack of willingness to extract meaningful information from them. For those accepting of the alternatives, statistical tools have been devised wherein it is possible to extract meaningful information from data and interpret whatever the data holds as its' secret."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Ferguson, George A. (1966). Statistics in Psychology and Education. New York: McGraw-Hill.
• Ohlson, E. L. (1998). Best Fit Statistical Practices. Chicago: ACTS Testing Lab.
• Weiers, Ronal M. (2005). Statistics in Business. PA: Thomson Publishing Company

More papers on The Statistical Lie:

• Analytical Essay # 67758 : "Darrell Huff's "How to Lie with Statistics"
• Essay # 45656 : "The Value of College Education"
• Argumentative Essay # 17072 : "Global Warming: A Hoax That Fooled The World"

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