Does Statistics Conceal As Much As They Reveal?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

The claim is not that “interpreting statistical arguments invariably involve a certain degree of subjectivity” or even “there are times when statistics can be used to support a number of distinct, and even contradictory, conclusions”, but rather “

statistics conceal as much as they reveal

”.

How statistics conceal more than they reveal?

Statistics and mathematical derivations are often used to

prove or justify a viewpoint

. Yet statistics are also painted, and justifiably so, as ‘lies, damn lies and statistics'. These derivatives are, in fact, double-edged weapons.

What is concealing in statistics?

Allocation concealment is

a when the person (or system) responsible for allocating people to different treatment groups and control groups

: Doesn't know what the next treatment allocation will be and. Conceals the results of the allocation from others.

What do u mean by statistics?

Statistics is

the study and manipulation of data, including ways to gather, review, analyze, and draw conclusions from data

. The two major areas of statistics are descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistics can be used to make better-informed business and investing decisions.

Why are statistics unreliable?

The

data can be misleading due to the sampling method used to obtain data

. For instance, the size and the type of sample used in any statistics play a significant role — many polls and questionnaires target certain audiences that provide specific answers, resulting in small and biased sample sizes.

Do labels constrain our knowledge?

“Labels are a necessity in the organization of knowledge, but

they also constrain our understanding

.” Discuss this statement with reference to two areas of knowledge. “Asks to consider a statement or to offer a considered review or balanced discussion of a particular topic.”

What is research concealment?

Concealment definition:

Information is withheld from the participant prior to the decision to consent or during the experiment

. Justification can be made that the results of the study may be tainted if the participant were fully informed of the research question or design.

What are the limitations of statistics?

Statistics deal with groups and aggregates only. 2)

Statistical methods are best applicable to quantitative data

. (3) Statistics cannot be applied to heterogeneous data. (4) If sufficient care is not exercised in collecting, analyzing and interpreting the data, statistical results might be misleading.

What are the 3 types of statistics?

  • Descriptive statistics.
  • Inferential statistics.

What are the advantages of statistics?

The advantages of statistics are:

The bulk data can be presented in a precise and definite form. The comparison and conclusions of data becomes easy

. Forecasting the trends becomes easy with statistics.

Can statistics be trusted?

Despite the objective and impartial appearance of statistics, it is

a web of people and human processes that makes them trustworthy

.

Can numbers really lie?


Numbers can lie to you

. … Numbers lie not when they are clearly wrong (that is obvious), but when they are subtly incorrect and it is hard to know they are wrong. You can use good judgement and make the right decision based on bad data, which in the end will be a bad decision.

How can statistics lie?

First edition Author Darrell Huff Publication date 1954

Is labeling a necessity?

Labeling is just the start in the process of better understanding someone or something. Labels are like material possessions:

they are necessary

, but we don't need to give them as much meaning as we often do.

How do labels constrain our understanding?

Labels as differentiating parameter

Labels help us in categorizing groups based on their attributes. Labels are tags that are influencers to

guide your perceptions and interpretations

by giving birth to preconceived notions.

Does accepting knowledge claims always involve an element of trust?

Accepting a claim

depends on its validity

in the real life. However, it's not always justified to think that whatever is justified and true need to be trusted.

What are the three methods of concealment?

Studies with poor allocation concealment (or none at all) are prone to selection bias. Some standard methods of ensuring allocation concealment include

sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes (SNOSE); sequentially numbered containers; pharmacy controlled randomization; and central randomization

.

What can statistics not do?

The statistical methods don

‘t study the nature of phenomenon

which cannot be expressed in quantitative terms. Such phenomena cannot be a part of the study of statistics. These include health, riches, intelligence etc. It needs conversion of qualitative data into quantitative data.

How do you allocate concealment?

Strategies to conceal allocation include

calling a central, coordinating office for each patient assignment

at the time that the patient presents for study inclusion; using sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes; and using numbered bottles or containers.

What is concealment method?

Introduction. Allocation concealment is

the process that prevents any trial participant or investigator from knowing in advance the treatment to which subjects will be assigned

. … When external involvement is not feasible, a good method of allocation concealment is the use of sealed numbered containers.

How are statistics misused?

That is, a misuse of statistics occurs

when a statistical argument asserts a falsehood

. In some cases, the misuse may be accidental. … When the statistical reason involved is false or misapplied, this constitutes a statistical fallacy. The false statistics trap can be quite damaging for the quest for knowledge.

Does statistics deal with individual data?

Statistics are aggregate of facts, a single numerical fact can't be called statistics. Thus they only deal with groups and not individuals.

Statistics only deals with quantitative data

it does not deal well with qualitative data beauty, honesty, goodwil etc cant be measured.

What are the 4 basic elements of statistics?

The

five words population, sample, parameter, statistic (singular), and variable

form the basic vocabulary of statistics.

How do I become good at statistics?

  1. Use distributive practice rather than massed practice. …
  2. Study in triads or quads of students at least once every week. …
  3. Don't try to memorize formulas (A good instructor will never ask you to do this). …
  4. Work as many and varied problems and exercises as you possibly can.

Are statistics hard?


Statistics is not hard as a subject cause statistics

is matter of science and logic. It mainly indulge on mathematics and logic. We use statistics in our day to day life like average or mean, median, standard deviation. To understand statistics more logically try to relate problems with practical examples.

Why you need to use statistics in your research?

Statistics

allows us to draw conclusions from a set of data

and is often called the “Science of Data.” It can also help people in every industry answer their research or business questions, and can help predict outcomes, such as what show you might want to watch next on your favorite video app.

Why is it easy to lie with statistics?

When numbers appear, the reader believes some truth is about to be imparted. Even a nonsensical statement such as this carries the air of authority until the meaning sinks in. Yes,

using statistics to lie is easy

– as you will soon see. And, statistics are a valid and useful tool.

Can statistics be manipulated?

There are several undeniable truths about statistics: First

and foremost, they can be manipulated, massaged and misstated

. … Second, if bogus statistical information is repeated often enough, it eventually is considered to be true.

How do you not lie with statistics?


Communicate clearly

and avoid . Never show off. Be sure you know what you're talking about! Similarly, don't assume that non-statisticians who use technical terms understand what they mean.

What are the five uses of statistics?

(1)

Statistics helps in providing a better understanding and accurate description of nature's phenomena

. (2) Statistics helps in the proper and efficient planning of a statistical inquiry in any field of study. (3) Statistics helps in collecting appropriate quantitative data.

What is the purpose of statistics?

The Purpose of Statistics: Statistics

teaches people to use a limited sample to make intelligent and accurate conclusions about a greater population

. The use of tables, graphs, and charts play a vital role in presenting the data being used to draw these conclusions.

Will statistics change from one sample to another?

It is clear that

almost all of the standard statistics are different across samples

. If sample size = population size, all statistics would be the same across all samples (obviously, because each of the samples would be the same ).

Can we rely on statistics?


Statistics are important

because today we live in the information world and much of this information's are determined mathematically by Statistics Help. It means to be informed correct data and statics concepts are necessary. … They use their statistical skills to collect the relevant data.

Can data lie?


Data do not lie

; users manipulate data. Data are points of information, They are discrete facts, realities, individual components of what is. They are not changeable. You are not entitled to your own version of the data.

What does numbers dont lie mean?

At first glance, it means

people intentionally use numbers to misinform other people

. … In my opinion, I think he was implying that people have a tendency to misuse numbers unintentionally. Data abounds.

Who said numbers never lie?

For 95 years, people have attibuted this quote to

Mark Twain

. But its real history predates Twain…and it couldn't be more true today than it was in 1854 in its original and anonymous form… “Figures won't lie: but men that draw up the tables may.”

Can we live without labels?


It would be impossible to live without labels

. From food labels to record labels, birth names to regal titles, labels help us navigate life. They enable us to communicate. Words, specifically nouns, serve as labels.

Do labels matter?

Labels aren't inherently good or bad, but

they are inherently personal

, so make sure you spend some time figuring out what you want out of your relationship—no matter what kind it is—so everyone can get their needs met.

Are labels important?

Ingredients: The label on a product allows

the customer to know

what is in the food they're eating or the product they're using. This allows the consumer to know how healthy, or unhealthy, the product is. It's also important to display the ingredients for those who may be allergic to certain ingredients.

Juan Martinez
Author
Juan Martinez
Juan Martinez is a journalism professor and experienced writer. With a passion for communication and education, Juan has taught students from all over the world. He is an expert in language and writing, and has written for various blogs and magazines.