Assignment 2: Use And Misuse Of Percentages Of The Concept

Assignment 2 Use And Misuse Of Percentagesone Of The Concepts You Enc

Assignment 2: Use and Misuse of Percentages One of the concepts you encountered in the readings this module was how to recognize the use and misuse of information presented in the form of percentages.

In this discussion assignment, you will conduct an Internet search to find several examples of the use of percentages. These can be examples of percentages used in advertising claims, reported results from a study, or information shared by a government agency.

In a minimum of 200 words, post to the Discussion Area your response to the following: Find an example of two of the following types of usage of percentages.

1. Use of percentages as a fraction. Remember that this type will use the word "of" to imply multiplication. Explain whether this was an effective way to represent this information within the context of the example you found.
2. Use of percentages to describe change. In the example you find, determine whether the reported percentage demonstrated absolute or relative change. Show your work. Explain whether this was an effective way to represent this information within the context of the example you found.
3. Use of percentages for comparison. In the example you find, determine whether the reported percentage demonstrated absolute or relative change. Show your work. Explain whether this was an effective way to represent this information within the context of the example you found.

Now, find an example of two of the following misuses of percentages:

1. Use of a shifting reference value. In this situation, the base values are changing as differing values of percentages are applied as increases, decreases, or both. Percentage increases, decreases, or both do not have a cumulative effect. Be sure to demonstrate why your example fits this category.
2. Use of percentage to represent less than nothing. Look for an example where you are seeing a reduction of some percentage greater than 100. Be sure to demonstrate why your example fits this category.
3. Situation where the average percentage is reported. In general, you cannot average percentages. The result isn’t representative of what actually has occurred in the situation in question. Be sure to demonstrate why your example fits this category.

By Sunday, December 14, 2014, post your response to the appropriate Discussion Area. Through Wednesday, December 17, 2014, review the postings of your peers and respond to at least two of them. Consider commenting on the following:

• Examine each example that the student provided. Did these examples sufficiently demonstrate the ways that percentages are used and misused? Explain.
• What have you learned regarding the necessity of carefully examining the percentages reported in advertising, news media, government reports, etc.?

Paper For Above instruction

Percentages are ubiquitous in our daily lives, playing a crucial role in advertising, research reports, and governmental communications. While they can effectively communicate information, their misuse can lead to misinterpretation and misrepresentation. This paper explores examples of the correct use of percentages involving fractions and changes, as well as common misuses such as shifting reference values and exaggerated reductions, emphasizing the importance of critical evaluation of percentage data.

Examples of Proper Use of Percentages

Use of Percentages as a Fraction

An illustrative example of using percentages as a fraction is found in nutritional labeling on food products. For instance, a cereal box may state that "10% of your daily fiber intake is provided by one serving." Here, the percentage is used to represent a part of the daily recommended intake, essentially functioning as a fraction—10 out of 100. This use is effective because it provides consumers with a clear understanding of the proportion of daily intake the product supplies relative to the total recommended amount. When the phrase "10% of" is used, it directly translates to a fractional relationship, which simplifies comprehension. However, when percentages are stretched or manipulated into misleading fractions, they can misguide consumers, highlighting the importance of context and clarity in their application.

Use of Percentages to Describe Change

Another example involves workplace surveys where employee satisfaction increased from 40% to 60%. Calculating the change: the absolute increase is 20 percentage points, while the relative increase is (60-40)/40 = 0.50, or 50%. The relative change provides a more nuanced understanding, showing that satisfaction rose by half compared to the initial level. This is an effective way to illustrate progress or decline, especially when the base percentage is small, making the relative change more meaningful. However, if only the percentage increase is cited without context—such as the initial and final percentages—it can distort the perception of significance. Absolute change in percentage points often offers a straightforward view, but relative change captures the proportional significance of the change.

Examples of Common Misuses of Percentages

Use of a Shifting Reference Value

An example occurs in political reporting, where a poll's approval rating is reported as increasing from 40% to 45% after a debate. However, the base sample size or population might have changed between polls, making direct comparisons misleading. If the reference value shifts—say, from a previously representative sample to a different demographic—the percentage change is not truly comparable or cumulative. This misuse occurs because the base value is inconsistent, leading to an over- or underestimation of support trends.

Use of Percentages to Represent Less Than Nothing (Reduction Greater Than 100%)

This occurs in financial contexts. For example, if a company reports that profits have decreased by 150%, it indicates a loss exceeding the original profit, suggesting the company is not only unprofitable but also that liabilities surpass assets significantly. This percentage reduction effectively demonstrates a "less than nothing" scenario because it indicates a net negative value, surpassing the initial amount, an often confusing but mathematically valid usage. Such reductions underscore the need to interpret percentage decreases carefully, especially when they surpass 100%, which signals a fundamental change or loss greater than the initial amount.

The Importance of Critical Evaluation

Understanding how percentages are used correctly and recognizing common misuses are vital for consumers, researchers, and policymakers. Misleading percentages, such as those based on shifting references or extreme reductions, can distort reality and influence decisions. Critical evaluation involves questioning the base values, the context of the data, and whether the percentages are absolute or relative. For instance, media reports may amplify perceived improvements or declines without clarifying the calculations involved, leading to misinterpretation. As consumers of information, scrutinizing how percentages are presented enables better judgment and prevents manipulation.

Conclusion

Percentages, when used accurately, serve as powerful tools for communication, offering clear insights into proportions and changes. Proper examples demonstrate how percentages can effectively convey the fractional relationship or describe change, especially when the context clarifies whether the change is absolute or relative. Conversely, common misuses like shifting reference points and exaggerated reductions can lead to misinformation. Awareness and critical assessment of percentage data are essential in navigating the information landscape, ensuring that decisions are based on sound and transparent data interpretation.

References

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