[at-l] Voodoo Science - Statistics.

[icw39@ncfreedom.net (Clark)]

my Dad - a doctor - was fond of saying that those who graduated in the
top third of med school made the best researchers; those in the second
third made the best surgeons, and those in the bottom third made the
best, real world general practitioners . . . b/t/w, he finished near the
top, but remained a general practitioner who make house calls up to the
day he retired! :)

thru-thinker

William Neal wrote:

> Half of all lawyers graduated in the bottom of their class.  Half of all
> doctors graduated in the bottom of their class....
>
> Now it's all beginning to make sense.  Hmmm... I wonder how I can access the
> class standings of a doctor and lawyer I know?
>
> William, The Turtle
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Steve Adams [mailto:stephensadams@hotmail.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2002 8:49 PM
> 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
> 'lie.'
>
> My favorite statistical truth goes as follows:
>
> Approach an educator (they used to be "teachers") or someone else concerned
> 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 caught
> 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 enough
> humor in this world.
>
> Steve
>
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