Hello and welcome to Madness Monday; the day of the week where I talk about statistics, and why they're more useful to politicians than scientists.
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| Starting to think I need to find more interesting header images... Just maybe. |
Do you have 1 breast and 1 testicle? If yes, then statistically, you're a very average person. Do you think you're normal? If you are, then statistically, you're the farthest thing from it. If you have ever thought that statistics were just a little screwy, then you will probably find this interesting.
Have you ever thought you were normal? If you did, the most average thing about that thought is the fact that so many people think it. Strangely enough, the more you think about it, the more you actually realize just how incorrect statistics are, and why they're more useful to politicians than scientists.
Let's talk about that. Michael Stevens from the popular YouTube Channel Vsauce, pointed out in his video Some Surprising Things that statistics are often not what they seem. As I pointed out at the beginning of this post, the average person would have 1 breast and 1 testicle. Since that is, as I'm sure you can understand, rather somewhat unusual, it provides credence to the idea that statistics can as easily used for unintended purposes.
A Statistical Fallacy is when logic and reason is incorrectly used with a set of statistics, as was the case with the aforementioned 1 breast, 1 testicle case. This can happen accidentally, or be intentional in order to convince. The fact that entire Wikipedia page devoted to the "Misuse of Statistics" is reason enough to believe that people like to have and abuse statistics for one simple reason: People believe them.
Think about this. At the beginning of this article, I told you a couple of things while using the word "statistically". While the statistics are those which were used in the aforementioned "Some Surprising Things" video, the desired effect was more psychological than informative. Most people, perhaps including you, will have taken what I said there at face value; and accepted that simply, because it's "Statistically" correct, then I'm right and you need not question those statements.
Humans are, intrinsically, social creatures that seek acceptance. (Even hipsters like to be with other hipsters.) So when I say something was proven statistically, your immediate reaction is likely to be that of acceptance, simply because that would allow you to better relate to everyone else that supported the idea. (Isn't that absolutely maddening? You believe someone's lies because of the way they use their words. A politicians dream.)
The result, is that statistics can have a few problems. They can be gathered incorrectly, they can be reasoned incorrectly, and they can be applied incorrectly. Any of which can be accidental or intentional. It's within the realm of reason for a study into the connection between cancer and tobacco use by a Cigar Company to be skewed in their favor; as is a referendum asking about a change in legislature, run by the party that supports said change.
Effectively, few statistics, quoted or presented, can be deemed entirely trustworthy, for the simple fact that someone stood to benefit from the actual taking of the survey. You're more likely to support something with statistics in it's favor, so companies will often fund the studies of their own products to prey on this subconscious trend.
So, if you happen to like statistics, I might suggest taking a closer look at who made those statistics and why. Otherwise, you might believe someone when they tell you that "statistically", this is the best blog in the world. (Much as I wish that were true. Maybe one day.)
In any case, I hope that you have found something interesting or entertaining to think about here. If you have something to add that I forgot to mention, (That happens occasionally.), make sure to let me know in the comments below. Also, make sure to share this with any friends who think that statistics are always right. And of course, if you would like to read more interesting discussions like these, or simply want to read my writing, don't forget to tell me by liking my Facebook page or following me on Twitter and sending me a message. The necessary buttons to do so are on the sidebar to the right. Lastly, I thank you very much for taking the time to read this post, and hope that you have/had an absolutely FANTASTIC day; and I will see you on the morrow.
Farewell dear chaps.
