Are 70% of Statistics Made Up in Arguments?

[KaneOris]

70% of statistics are made up on the spot. Really i just want to ask everyone if you think that generally when people bring up statistics in their arguments that they just made it up then and there. I know for one that a lot of people make up statistics on the spot, i did it just now.

 

[zubzy]

Yes, I believe statistics are often inaccurate, especially if the quesion requires a lot of thought.
I have never believed statistics being accurate. It's just not possible. So many people can make up things on the spot. That's why when I read the newspaper statistics, I never believe them.

I even make things on the spot. Why? It's easier, it's human nature, something like that... A survey isn't exactly the most exhilirating thing to take, and it doesn't really matter if you put down something wrong, who is going to check?

Unless the survey has a strict significance to you, people will continue writing random things, or answers that look good (if it's for say, a competition.)

 

[K.J.Healey]

Yea, I've told people "73% of all statistics are made up on the spot, and 86% of all people believe it." Only one of them got it.

 

[dekoi]

70% of statistics are made up on the spot. Really i just want to ask everyone if you think that generally when people bring up statistics in their arguments that they just made it up then and there. I know for one that a lot of people make up statistics on the spot, i did it just now.

Is your statement in this majority?



Of course people use statistics in their arguments, that might also be flawed. But it would be difficult to somehow bypass this fact.

 

[Leon]

I think that too much skepticism in statistics is really stupid. Why should you trust a person any less if they quote a statistic?

I think the real caution is in finding out exactly how the survey/study was conducted and how it has been spun to favor the quoter. That's the real danger in believing statistics - a number is easy to manipulate, easier than other types of facts.

 

[motai]

70% of statistics are made up on the spot. Really i just want to ask everyone if you think that generally when people bring up statistics in their arguments that they just made it up then and there. I know for one that a lot of people make up statistics on the spot, i did it just now.

It rather reminds me of those political polls that add up to 104%

 

[Leon]

I think that there's an error with your condemnation of those polls, because you obviously can't guess how they might be conducted to add up to more than 100%. I mean, what if the subjects are required to tick every candidate they would consider voting for? Then, 60% could say they are considering voting for one, and 60% could also say that they were considering voting for the other. They could even be the same 60%

 

[wuliheron]

There are lies, damn lies, and then statistics. Quantum Mechanics is a statistical science accurate to fourteen decimal places, but it is all lies. Fortunately for us, some lies are more useful than others, statistically speaking of course. :0)