lies,damned lies and statistics - 2353 Words

1. Introduction Lies, damned lies, and statistics is a phrase describing the persuasive power of numbers, particularly the use of statistics to bolster weak arguments. It is also sometimes colloquially used to doubt statistics used to prove an opponents point. The term was popularised in the United States by Mark Twain (among others), who attributed it to the 19th-century British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881): There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics. This Line stresses on the fact that common errors, both intentional and unintentional, associated with the interpretation of statistics, and how these errors can lead to inaccurate conclusions. It is a phrase attributed to the power associated†¦show more content†¦Some of them are:- 1. On a historical Note:- Something of a historical subversion: During World War II, the Royal Air Force wanted to add more armor to their planes, but because of weight limits they needed to know which places needed the armor most. So, they examined the planes after they came back and counted how often bullet holes were found in certain areas... and then placed armor in places that showed the fewest bullet holes. This is because, they assumed, that any place that did have bullet holes was a place that planes could be hit and still fly . Helped by the fact: No plane that ever came back had holes where the gas tank was. Because planes whose tank was hit would explode and not come back. 2. Ridiculous Conclusions:- Its a bit like the statistics on shark shows. You are more likely to die on the toilet than be eaten by a shark. When you compare how much time you spend around sharks versus how much time you spend around toilets ... really, the toilet has time to plan out its move in advance. Same deal with most accidents occurring in the home. Considering that you spend the majority of your time in your home, this should come as no surprise to anyone. The same for the example above about most vehicular accidents occurring near the home (some say within 25 miles from your home). This is because most people do most of their driving near their homes, not that the home or the surrounding area is more dangerous than areas distant from theShow MoreRelatedAssumptions Statistics : Data Statistics1192 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction Assumption/Hypothesis Confirm a common assumption about data statistics: data statistics are accurate in calculation but can be misleading in interpretation and decision making. Background â€Å"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.† This quotation is often attributed to Benjamin Disraeli, the 19th century British Prime Minister. In research studies, Statistics allow us to distill a large number of experiences down to a few simple truths. But the truths may notRead MoreThe Assumption Of Data Statistics1180 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction Assumption/Hypothesis Confirm a common assumption about data statistics: data statistics is accurate in calculation but can be misleading in interpretation and decision making. Background â€Å"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.† This quotation is often attributed to Benjamin Disraeli, the 19th century British Prime Minister. In research study, Statistics allow us to distill a large number of experiences down to a few simple truths. But the truths may not beRead MoreThe Chocolate Affair. By: Adam Duran. . 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