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Better Business Decisions from Data
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statistics are not popular. one might even say they are disliked. not by statisti- cians, of course, but by the millions who have to cope with the steady flow of statistics supporting all kinds of assertions, opinions, and theories. received wisdom harrumphs, “You can prove anything by statistics”—and then sneers, “Lies, damned lies, and statistics.” my sympathies do not lie with these senti- ments, which, i believe, have their origins in the misuse of statistics. i believe that statisticians are skilled in their work and act professionally, sincerely desiring their results to be interpreted and used correctly. the misuse arises when statements by those who have limited understanding of the subject are claimed to be justified by statistics. the misuse is frequently due to misunderstanding. results of statistical inves- tigations often have to be worded with many qualifications and precise defini- tions, and this does not ease the understanding of the casual reader. misguided attempts to summarize or simplify statistical findings are another cause of distortion. and undoubtedly an element of intentional misrepresentation is sometimes involved. often, the misuse arises from a desperate attempt to justify a viewpoint with what is seen to be a scientific statement. Hence the suggestion that statistics are sometimes used as a drunk uses a lamp post: more for support than illumination.
Peter Kenny - Personal Name
978-1-4842-0184-8
NONE
Information Technology
English
2014
1-260
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