Ways to avoid misuse of statistics include using proper diagrams and avoiding bias.[22] Misuse can occur when conclusions are overgeneralized and claimed to be representative of more than they really are, often by either deliberately or unconsciously overlooking sampling bias.[23] Bar graphs are arguably the easiest diagrams to use and understand, and they can be made either by hand or with simple computer programs.[22] Unfortunately, most people do not look for bias or errors, so they are not noticed. Thus, people may often believe that something is true even if it is not well represented.[23] To make data gathered from statistics believable and accurate, the sample taken must be representative of the whole.[24] According to Huff, "The dependability of a sample can be destroyed by [bias]... allow yourself some degree of skepticism."[25] To assist in the understanding of statistics Huff proposed a series of questions to be asked in each case:[25] Who says so? (Does he/she have an axe to grind?) How does he/she know? (Does he/she have the resources to know the facts?) What’s missing? (Does he/she give us a complete picture?) Did someone change the subject? (Does he/she offer us the right answer to the wrong problem?) Does it make sense? (Is his/her conclusion logical and consistent with what we already know?) |
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