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Statistics: What To Look For |
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In a world where the news and the internet and constantly throwing numbers at everyone it can be easy to buy into what you are told. Maybe one thing happens after another ninety percent of the time, or 1 in 10 people believe something else. A lot of the time, research one source contradicts another and this can get confusing. Understanding some basic information about statistics will give you some ground to stand on the next time you are faced with this kind of information.
First, consider the concept of cause and effect. This is when you know for certain that an effect is caused by something in particular. Statistics is the science of collecting and interpreting data. Interpretation can be taken too lightly though, especially when there are many factors in play. Any time you hear that some event or action always leads to something else, be wary. After all, if you told someone you loved them and then they got hit by a car you would not automatically assume that love lead to car accidents.
Sample size also must be considered. If a study or article does not tell you how many people were surveyed or how often something was tested then you might question how reliable the results are: would they be duplicated if the test was done again.
Also consider the kind of sample that is used. Participants should be chosen randomly, but if everyone comes from the same city then the conclusion can only be drawn about that city, not about the entire state or nation. If all participants were found in the same location, like a conference or event, it is logical to assume that that place attracted similar types of people.
When it comes to statistics it is entirely within your right to question the information you are given. Once you know exactly how the study was conducted, then you can decide for yourself what you will believe and what you will require additional information on.
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