Statistics--Facts or Fallacies

Statistics Things to Consider about Statistics  Who did the study?  What are the statistics measuring?  Who was asked?  How were they asked?  Compared with what? 5Another form of evidence is statistics. Statistics are a favorite evidence of many writers and speakers. They provide actual numbers in support of ideas and conclusions. If you can show that 75% of high schools seniors cannot find Washington State on a map of North America, then it is strong evidence …

…you use as support, if only to show that the statistics actually apply. Do not, however, take all the problems outlined above as a condemnation of statistics as evidence. Statistics are excellent evidence, and often the easiest and most concise way to express evidence. I merely wish you to be aware you must examine them for relevance, validity and authority or they can do you more harm than good in proving your point. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**