[at-l] Voodoo Science - Statistics.

[greyowl@rcn.com (greyowl@rcn.com)]

Except in Lake Wobegon where all the children are above average.

Grey Owl
>
> From: "Steve Adams" <stephensadams@hotmail.com>
> Date: 2002/12/10 Tue PM 08:48:53 EST
> To: shane@theplacewithnoname.com
> CC: at-l@mailman.backcountry.net
> Subject: [at-l] Voodoo Science - Statistics.
>
> Shane,
>
> Reference your post, dated 12-10-02,  relating your "favorite statistical
> =91lie.'
>
> My favorite statistical truth goes as follows:
>
> Approach an educator (they used to be "teachers") or someone else concern=
ed
> with education (parents of school age children are of course excellent).
> Looking earnest and concerned, somberly ask, "Do you realize that almost
> half the students in our schools are below average?"
>
> Of course they are.  The definition of "average" requires 50% to be below
> average, just as it requires 50% to be above average.  Just don't get cau=
ght
> talking about the modal average.
>
> For some reason, few people readily catch on to this.  They look so
> perplexed when I wander off, chuckling.  People think I'm weird.  Not eno=
ugh
> humor in this world.
>
> Steve
>
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>