Talithia Williams, PhD - Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics - The Misapplication of Statistics in American Life

Location

Serra Hall, 210

Cost

0

Thursday, October 10th, Serra Hall 210, 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

****Pizza & refreshments will be served****

USD Department of Mathematics and Computer Science with Talithia Williams, PhD - Department of Mathematics, Harvey Mudd College PRESENTS: Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics: The Misapplication of Statistics in American Life

Abstract: H.G. Wells once said “Statistical thinking will one day be as necessary for efficient citizenship as the ability to read and write.” The widespread use of statistics plays an influential role in persuading public opinion. As such, statistical literacy is necessary for members of society to critically evaluate the bombardment of charts, polls, graphs, and data that are presented on a daily basis. However, what can often pass for “statistical” analysis more closely resembles a lie. In this talk, we will examine applications of statistics in everyday life and give examples of where statistics has been grossly misused.