Misleading Statistics- Unveiling the Truth Behind the Numbers

Misleading Statistics- Unveiling the Truth Behind the Numbers

Accuracy in the interpretation of data findings and statistics is crucial in statistical reporting. Incorrect interpretation of data and findings translates to wrong conclusions and, subsequently, wrong recommendations. This leads to poor decision-making and missed opportunities. Indeed, making deductions out of inaccurate data is similar to speculation for decision-making. Both conclusions do not represent the reality. In his book and blogs, Jordan Ellenberg points out instances when numbers have been reported inappropriately, including bad proportions and negative percentages. In his blog about reporting percentages, Ellenberg indicates that a researcher should investigate his data beyond the focus subject to determine the most appropriate mode of reporting that would not bring weird figures (Ellenberg, 2011). For instance, when conducting a research about job growth in the US, it is wrong to use percentages when some of the states would yield a negative percentage such as -40% or very high percentages such as 200%.

In another blog, Ellenberg underlines why the reporting on COVID-19 by John Loannidis article that reports about the findings on infection rates in the Netherlands is wrong. The reporting of figures and values in findings seems to be biased in terms of ranges used. The figures reported in the Ioannidis report is substantially lower than the theoretical minimum Infection Fatality Rate would actually be (Ellenberg, 2021). One aspect making the reporting of data and figures wrong for Ioannidis’s report seems to be the source of information used. The figures are obtained from inaccurate sources, which makes his reporting inaccurate. The first step in correctly reporting the same information would be obtaining the correct statistics from a reliable source. Also, it would be crucial to use valid percentages through accurate calculation in reporting the statistics.

References

Ellenberg, J. (2011). 98% Sounds Like It Means “Almost All” But It Doesn’t Always. Retrieved from https://quomodocumque.wordpress.com/2011/09/22/98-sounds-like-it-means-almost-all-but-it-doesnt-always/

Ellenberg, J. (2021). Pandemic Blog 23: Why One Published Research Finding Is Misleading. Retrieved from https://quomodocumque.wordpress.com/category/bad-statistics/

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In Jordan Ellenberg’s book How Not to be Wrong and in his blog, he describes where numbers have been reported inappropriately. Often these reported numbers include bad proportions and/or negative percentages.

Misleading Statistics- Unveiling the Truth Behind the Numbers

Please read his blog entry here: https://quomodocumque.wordpress.com/2011/09/22/98-sounds-like-it-means-almost-all-but-it-doesnt-always/.
Then think about an example from your own work or reading where statistics were used in a misleading way. Describe if possible an improved way of more responsibly reporting the same information. If you need more direction here, consider summarizing one of Ellenberg’s blog posts tagged at https://quomodocumque.wordpress.com/category/bad-statistics/.