2.Statistics

As students enter, please look over the reading by Joel Best, "The Truth about Damned Lies and Statistics." 

Be ready to answer questions about the reading.

Small group discussion of reading.
1. What's the problem with the statistic about children killed by guns?  (page 28)

2.  According to Best, what are the 2 harmful ways that people view statistics? (pages 29-30)

3.  How does Best say people should view statistics? (pages 30-31)

4.  Rather than viewing a statistic's flaws, how does Best say that people should be thoughtful about statistics? (page 32)

How to be critical of statistics/research:

Ask questions.

Don't just accept the data but ask where it came from.

Look for a section (usually at the end) called Discussion or Limitations;  usually, authors are critical of their own work.

Apply:  Best's reading to your own research.

Individually

5.  What statistics are in the research that you found?  Apply some of Best's suggestions to statistics from your research article.

Watch this humorous take on science and stats from John Oliver.