Mark Twain statistics

• APAD: Lies, damn lies, and statistics. - 7grizzly -   (5493 bytes) (757 reads) 09/23/2023  07:44:51 (3)

• A black swan represents an extreme or rare event, - 盈盈一笑間 -    (0 bytes) (2 reads) 09/23/2023  08:11:01

• which has potentially severe consequences… - 盈盈一笑間 -    (0 bytes) (1 reads) 09/23/2023  08:11:40

• The idea is more popular than the bird :-) - 7grizzly -   (0 bytes) (1 reads) 09/23/2023  08:21:46

• Consider the feelings and well-being of the latter :-) - 7grizzly -   (0 bytes) (2 reads) 09/23/2023  08:25:40

• Biased data lead to biased decision - 移花接木 -    (0 bytes) (2 reads) 09/23/2023  08:14:20

• And collectively, we build a lopsided world :-) - 7grizzly -   (0 bytes) (2 reads) 09/23/2023  08:18:05

• So the world is at a tipping point now - 移花接木 -    (0 bytes) (1 reads) 09/23/2023  09:19:11

• Hasn't it always been? Onto everyone that hath ..., e.g. - 7grizzly -   (0 bytes) (0 reads) 09/23/2023  11:22:43

• 大奸似忠，大詐似信！ - 方外居士 -   (0 bytes) (1 reads) 09/23/2023  10:50:44

• 智慧出，有大偽。 - 7grizzly -   (0 bytes) (2 reads) 09/23/2023  11:23:39

• 這個更貼近英文原意。 - 方外居士 -   (0 bytes) (1 reads) 09/23/2023  12:54:46

• I agree with the notion that statistics can be manipulated - TJKCB -    (994 bytes) (0 reads) 09/23/2023  14:30:17From my perspective, I agree with the notion that statistics can be manipulated to support almost any position. It is true that statistics themselves may be accurate and based on data, but the interpretation of those statistics is where biases and manipulation can come into play. People often cherry-pick or selectively present statistics that align with their preconceived beliefs or desired outcomes, while ignoring or downplaying other relevant data.
Furthermore, the quote by Mark Twain attributed to Benjamin Disraeli highlights the idea that statistics can be used to deceive or mislead. This implies that statistics alone cannot always be trusted, as they can be manipulated or presented in a way that distorts the truth. It is crucial to critically analyze the methodology, sources, and context of statistics before accepting them at face value.
Moreover, I believe that the responsibility lies with the practitioners and users of statistics to ensure that they are using accurate and unbiased data. However, humans are prone to biases and may overlook rare but significant events or manipulate data for their own gain. This can lead to flawed models, misleading research papers, and erroneous conclusions being propagated.
As individuals, it is crucial for us to approach statistics with skepticism and critical thinking. We should strive to be informed and discerning consumers of statistical information, questioning the motives and methodology behind the statistics presented to us. By doing so, we can avoid being easily swayed or deceived by misleading statistics and make more informed decisions.

 

 

ncorporate my view on the below of "statistics true but interpretation is not: "And collectively,

we build a lopsided world :-) This expression is generally used in order to cast doubt on statistics produced by somebody a person does not agree with, or to describe how statistics can be manipulated to support almost any position. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This was attributed by Mark Twain to Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881): "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics." It's not clear how much research either did. Of course, it's humans instead of statistics to blame as practioners, for expediency (read profit), willfully ignore rare but high-impact events, black swans a la Nassim Taleb. If the facts do not fit the theory, change the facts. Models are built, papers published, and text books written, all based on flawed data. The job for the rest of us is to try to stay a non-sucker."