"Attributing to statistics the inherent ability to describe universal laws
leads to many prevalent and interesting fallacies. Following G.K.
Chesterton, we caution against using statistics as a drunk uses a lamp post:
for support rather than illumination." (A. Einstein, 1956)
"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damn lies, and statistics." (Benjamin Disraeli, the prime minister of the British Empire from 1874-1880) Descriptive StatisticsMean= averageMedian= point at which 1/2 scores fall above, 1/2 below Mode= middle point Standard Deviation variability from Mean Scales of Measurement:Refresher:
Statistics with Scales:Nominal: ModeOrdinal: Median or Mode Interval/Ratio: Mean Median or Mode Why is this important? Even with interval/ratio data, the mean may give inaccurate data. Example: Swampy Acres Retirement Site The developer of SARH is attempting to sell lots in a "Southern Paradise" to northern buyers. The "marks" express concern that flooding might occur. The developer reassures them by explaining that the average elevation of the lots is 78.5 feet and that the water has never exceeded 25 feet.
Mean elevation = 78.5 (20 lots above water) Mean larger than median = "skew"
Ordinal Data Used as Interval/Ratio: |