2.5. Misusing Statistics
50 questions available
Questions
What are the primary consequences of misusing statistics as identified in the text?
View answer and explanationWhich of the following is explicitly mentioned as a method for misusing statistics?
View answer and explanationAccording to the chapter, what is another identified way that statistics can be deliberately misused?
View answer and explanationWhat is the third method of misusing statistics mentioned in the text, involving the intent to deceive?
View answer and explanationWhat is the main purpose of the "Genocide: Misuse of Statistics Exercise" described in the chapter?
View answer and explanationIn the chapter's example about the genocide in Myanmar, what was the primary form of informational misuse by the government?
View answer and explanationIn the Myanmar genocide example, who was identified as participating in the deliberate attempt to not refer to the crime by its name?
View answer and explanationWhat was the exact title of the Washington Post article used as an example of countering statistical misuse in the chapter?
View answer and explanationThe chapter explains that misusing statistics can be intentional. What is the other form of misuse it describes?
View answer and explanationWhat specific example does the chapter use to illustrate the concept of accidental misuse of statistics?
View answer and explanationAccording to the chapter, accidental misuse of statistics often occurs when people present what as factual information?
View answer and explanationWhat is the concluding message of chapter 2.5 regarding how one should approach information?
View answer and explanationAs mentioned in the text about the CNN news clip, what stance did the United Nations take regarding the events in Myanmar?
View answer and explanationIn the summary of the CNN news clip, which group is mentioned as claiming the international community was wrong about the events in Myanmar being genocide?
View answer and explanationThe chapter directly links the misuse of statistics to the promotion of what specific construct?
View answer and explanationThe author uses the anecdote about their grandfather to illustrate which specific behavior?
View answer and explanationWhat was the likely intent of the grandfather when he cited statistics, according to the author's reflection?
View answer and explanationWhat is implied to be the source of the grandfather's inaccurate information in the chapter's example?
View answer and explanationAccording to the example provided, what crucial action did the Washington Post take regarding the situation in Myanmar?
View answer and explanationThe chapter suggests that the misuse of statistics is linked to the generation of what specific emotion within the public?
View answer and explanationHow does the text characterize the actions of the government of Myanmar regarding the genocide?
View answer and explanationThe example of the Myanmar genocide highlights a misuse of information that occurred despite the existence of what?
View answer and explanationWhat term does chapter 2.5 use for the unsubstantiated beliefs about crime that are often promoted by the misuse of statistics?
View answer and explanationChapter 2.5 explains that the misuse of statistics can be either intentional or what other classification?
View answer and explanationIn the "Genocide: Misuse of Statistics Exercise," students are instructed to write an analysis of what specific length?
View answer and explanationAccording to the author, a person giving an 'opinion' without facts is engaging in a form of what?
View answer and explanationWhich of the following is NOT listed in the chapter as one of the ways to misuse statistics?
View answer and explanationThe chapter's use of the Myanmar government as an example implies that governments can be involved in which type of statistical misuse?
View answer and explanationWhat critical thinking skill does the chapter's conclusion emphasize as necessary for consuming information?
View answer and explanationThe example of the Monks from the CNN clip serves to demonstrate what about the denial of factual information?
View answer and explanationWhen the text mentions "using deceptive formats" to misuse statistics, what is the most likely goal of this method?
View answer and explanationWhen the government of Myanmar tried to deny the genocide, which of the three listed methods of misusing information were they primarily employing?
View answer and explanationThe discussion in chapter 2.5 on the misuse of statistics is situated within the broader context of what subject?
View answer and explanationAccording to the chapter, what is the primary issue with people presenting their 'opinions' as if they were facts?
View answer and explanationWhat does the Washington Post's declaration "NO MORE. Call it what it is" suggest about the potential role of the media?
View answer and explanationThe chapter's description of a grandfather who "had never really studied any of the issues and his sources were unreliable" exemplifies what concept?
View answer and explanationThe idea of "limiting public access to critical information" as a form of statistical misuse implies that withholding data is a form of what?
View answer and explanationBased on the Myanmar example, what is a likely reason a government might want to misuse information about a crime like genocide?
View answer and explanationThe author's story about their grandfather functions as an analogy for what wider societal issue?
View answer and explanationIn the Myanmar case, what does the existence of "visual evidence" imply about the government's denial?
View answer and explanationWho is the credited author of chapter 2.5, "Misusing Statistics"?
View answer and explanationWhat is the core task students are asked to perform in the "Genocide: Misuse of Statistics Exercise"?
View answer and explanationBased on the chapter's tone and examples, the misuse of statistics is presented as a serious problem primarily because it affects what?
View answer and explanationIn the context of the Myanmar example, what does the phrase "Call it by its name" specifically mean?
View answer and explanationThe example of the Monks denying the genocide in Myanmar illustrates that challenges to factual reporting can come from which sources?
View answer and explanationAs implied by chapter 2.5, what is the fundamental difference between a fact and an opinion?
View answer and explanationWhen a news report uses a "deceptive format," such as a manipulated graph, what aspect of the information is being altered?
View answer and explanationThe chapter's detailed focus on the Myanmar genocide serves as a powerful case study for what broader principle?
View answer and explanationWhat does chapter 2.5 imply is a primary reason to be critical of statistics presented in the media or by officials?
View answer and explanationAccording to the author's reflection on their grandfather, what was the fundamental problem with his citation of statistics?
View answer and explanation