An excellent series of articles from BBC by Michael Blastland about statistics. He discusses the various ways in which statistics can be used to manipulate or outright lie by the people who present them to you. Topics include surveys, counting, percentages, averages, causation, and doubt*. They remind me of the book Double Speak by William Lutz, a depressing book which I've never had the heart to get all the way through.
props to Jeff at Have Coffee, Will Write
* which, sadly, I cant find the link to
2 comments:
To paraphrase the Great Homer Simpson: "You can make up statistics to prove anything, 14% of all people know that."
Sir, I refuse to sit here and listen to your statistics!
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