Explores various trends in institutions such as education, business, medicine, science, and criminal justice; and examines the causes and consequences of some of these fads, and why people seem to follow them.
Presents a guide for consumers to help identify questionable statistics stated even in the most respected publications that are often miscalculated, misinterpreted, hyped, or misleading. Includes common signs of dubious data as well as chapter notes and an index.
untangling numbers from the media, politicians, and activists
Best, Joel
2012
Offers advice on how to understand social statistics and how to recognize bad statistics that are sometimes put out by the media, or special interest groups; and presents analyses of a selection of bad statistics.
Explains why people must use their critical thinking skills when reading statistics, presenting guidance on several kinds of misleading numbers and providing contemporary examples on such topics as teen suicides, school shootings, risk of divorce, and racial profiling.
untangling numbers from the media, politicians, and activists
Best, Joel
2001
Offers advice on how to understand social statistics and how to recognize bad statistics that are sometimes put out by the media, or special interest groups; and presents analyses of a selection of bad statistics.
