Science, Fiction

If this is too involved, maybe check me out on Twitter. Or ask me something.
~ Friday, March 26 ~
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“ Using such biasing phrases, and giving respondents no alternative premises to consider dramatically enhances what statisticians call “acquiescence bias”—a tendency in survey respondents to agree with all the questions asked of them, especially when respondents are in doubt.
— Obama Is Not the Antichrist—And Nobody Really Thinks He Is - The Gaggle Blog - Newsweek.com
Tags: statistics
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Scientists need the guts to say: I don't know (includes video)

Good video! Good article!

Tags: statistics science
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~ Saturday, March 6 ~
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Three Statistics Things I Read Recently

One thing I wish I understood a lot better is statistics. I think a weak understanding of statistics is the source of a lot of silly beliefs many people hold. I like to think I have a pretty skeptical outlook on data, especially covering medical news for so long (hint: many groundbreaking studies aren’t), but it’s something I want to hone.

The links!

Think like a statistician – without the math

About 40 Percent of American Women Have Had Abortions: The Math Behind the Stat

My favorite statistics column is Michael Blastland’s “Go Figure” in the BBC Magazine. I wish there were a dedicated RSS feed though

Go Figure - Can one humble worker cause boom or bust?

Tags: statistics
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