Sex, lies and pitfalls of overblown statistics
A visit to the International Festival of Statistics in Dublin (yes, really) prompted me to offer advice to young scholars on the interpretation and use of economic data.
Always ask yourself the question “where does that data come from?”. “Long distance rail travel in Britain is expected to increase by 96 per cent by 2043.” Note how the passive voice “is expected” avoids personal responsibility for this statement. Who expects this? And what is the basis of their expectation? For all I know, we might be using flying platforms in 2043, or be stranded at home by oil shortages: where did the authors of the prediction acquire their insight?
Entertaining and insightful.