The document discusses the proper and improper uses of statistics. It explains how statistics can be used to describe data, compare data sets, determine relationships, and test hypotheses. However, it also outlines several ways statistics can be misused, such as to sell ineffective products, prove false claims, or induce fear in audiences. Specifically, it describes how using small, biased, or inconvenient samples, ambiguous averages, detached statistics without comparisons, implied connections without proof, misleading graphs, and biased survey questions can distort the truth.

2. Objective: To explain how statistics can be used and
misused.
1-6 Uses and Misuses of Statistics

3. Statistics are used to:
Describe data
Compare two or more data sets
Determine if a relationship exists between variables
Test hypotheses
Make estimates about population characteristics
 Sell products that don’t work properly
 Attempt to prove something that is not true
 Get attention by evoking fear, shock, outrage
1-6 Uses and Misuses of Statistics

4. Suspect Samples:
Samples used were too small (3/4 doctors surveyed…)
Volunteers (often have built-in bias, might get stipend,
usually have more time for some reason )
Convenience
Mailed samples (surveys don’t often get sent back)
1-6 Uses and Misuses of Statistics

5. Ambiguous Averages:
Averages: often call the mean, median, mode, and
midrange the “Average.”
1-6 Uses and Misuses of Statistics

6. Changing the Subject:
3% vs. $6,000,000
1-6 Uses and Misuses of Statistics

7. Detached Statistics:
One where no comparison is made: “Our brand has 1/3
fewer calories”
1-6 Uses and Misuses of Statistics

8. Implied Connections:
“eating fish MAY HELP to reduce your cholesterol”
“studies SUGGEST that using our exercise machine…”
“…will lower blood pressure for SOME people.”
1-6 Uses and Misuses of Statistics

9. Misleading Graphs:
Inappropriate scales
See chapter 2 for more info!
1-6 Uses and Misuses of Statistics

10. Faulty Survey Questions:
Bias in the question
1-6 Uses and Misuses of Statistics