![]() ![]() Probability is a measure of uncertainty and is concerned with the outcome of experiments or observations where the outcome is unknown. Inferential statistics includes methods used to find out something about a population based on a sample.Ī population is a collection of all possible individuals, objects, or measurements of interest.Ī sample is a portion or part of the population of interest.Ī frequency distribution is a grouping of data into categories showing the number of observations in each mutually exclusive category. Statistics in the plural is the science of collecting, organizing, presenting, analysing, and interpreting data to assist in making more effective decisions.Ī statistic in the singular is the interpretation of a fact or piece of data obtained from a study of a large quantity of numerical data.ĭescriptive statistics methods include the organisation, summaries, and presentation of data in an informative way. The balance of this section provides a brief introduction to statistics and recommended resources. However, in several cases the misuse of statistics is more obvious provided one knows what warning signals to look for. Understanding the uses and methodology of statistics is not helpful in ascertaining whether there has been a misuse of statistics unless one has full access to the data and methodology. Interpretation of data depends very much on the who is doing the interpreting. This is why different people might draw different conclusions from the same data. ![]() The popular press, in turn, generally has limited expertise in statistics, mixed motives, and cherry pick the statistics that serves their own agendas.Ī set of data can be used to provide answers to more than one similar question. Both left- and right-wing propagandists find ways to massage more palatable statistics. Good governance requires accurate statistics, but popular governance require support by its electorate. However, far too frequently there are those with an ulterior agenda who deliberately conceal, obfuscate, or over-interpret results.Ī quote attributed to Andrew Lang states "Politicians use statistics in the same way that a drunk uses lamp-post - for support rather than illumination". ![]() False or misapplied statistical reasoning constitute a statistical fallacy.īasic descriptive statistical procedures are frequently misused by non-professionals, but even professionals can misuse simple methods. Like the disciplines of science, t he discipline of statistics also uses inductive and deductive processes. The misuse of statistics can be due to a lack of understanding of the appropriate tests and statistical methodologies used to analyse data and formulate results. It is not without foundation that there is a serious mistrust of statistics as promulgated by Disraeli’s quote “There are lies, damn lies, and statistics”. We are essentially left to rely on interpretations of that data by others while misuse of statistics is rife. It is even more difficult to be discerning, especially when the original data and methodology used to present statistics to us are not readily available for examination and confirmation. By selecting this option, "From Date" and "To Date" period will be ignored.It is difficult to avoid coming into regular contact with statistics targeted at us by newspapers, magazines, radio, television, websites, and social media.
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