In this sequel to the acclaimed "Damned Lies and Statistics, "which
the "Boston Globe "said "deserves a place next to the dictionary on
every school, media, and home-office desk," Joel Best continues his
straightforward, lively, and humorous account of how statistics are
produced, used, and misused by everyone from researchers to
journalists. Underlining the importance of critical thinking in all
matters numerical, Best illustrates his points with examples of
good and bad statistics about such contemporary concerns as school
shootings, fatal hospital errors, bullying, teen suicides, deaths
at the World Trade Center, college ratings, the risks of divorce,
racial profiling, and fatalities caused by falling coconuts. "More
Damned Lies and Statistics "encourages all of us to think in a more
sophisticated and skeptical manner about how statistics are used to
promote causes, create fear, and advance particular points of view.
Best identifies different sorts of numbers that shape how we think
about public issues: "missing numbers" are relevant but overlooked;
"confusing numbers" bewilder when they should inform; "scary
numbers" play to our fears about the present and the future;
"authoritative numbers" demand respect they don't deserve; "magical
numbers" promise unrealistic, simple solutions to complex problems;
and "contentious numbers" become the focus of data duels and stat
wars. The author's use of pertinent, socially important examples
documents the life-altering consequences of understanding or
misunderstanding statistical information. He demystifies
statistical measures by explaining in straightforward prose how
decisions are made about what to count and what not to count, what
assumptions get made, and which figures are brought to our
attention.
Best identifies different sorts of numbers that shape how we think
about public issues. Entertaining, enlightening, and very timely,
this book offers a basis for critical thinking about the numbers we
encounter and a reminder that when it comes to the news, people
count--in more ways than one.
General
Imprint: |
University of California Press
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Release date: |
September 2004 |
First published: |
September 2004 |
Authors: |
Joel Best
|
Dimensions: |
210 x 140 x 20mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Hardcover - Cloth over boards
|
Pages: |
217 |
Edition: |
New ed |
ISBN-13: |
978-0-520-23830-5 |
Categories: |
Books >
Social sciences >
Sociology, social studies >
Social issues >
General
|
LSN: |
0-520-23830-3 |
Barcode: |
9780520238305 |
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