Misleading Statistics Are Powerful And Convincing ✓ Solved

Misleading Statisticsstatistics Are Powerful And Convincing When Used

Misleading Statisticsstatistics Are Powerful And Convincing When Used Misleading Statistics Statistics are powerful and convincing when used properly. This feature of statistical reasoning, however, also makes them liable to misuse. In this week’s assignment, you will find a legitimate statistic and explain how it might be used to mislead an audience. · Start by searching the internet for a reliable statistic. Make sure the statistic you find comes from an original or primary source – whether it be a peer-reviewed article, think-tank, or other organization. Do not use news articles that report the findings of a study; use the original study itself.

Please remember to cite your source. · After you locate your statistic, explain how it might be used to mislead an audience into embracing conclusions that the statistic does not support by playing the role of someone who is trying to lie with statistics. · Design a fake advertisement or news story in which you will try to use the statistic in question to make a persuasive point. o Your advertisement or story can consist of a written document, graphic, or video. o Whatever you decide to do, you should feature a depiction or description of the statistic and an explanation of how it might be used to support a misleading agenda. · After creating your fake advertisement or news story, include a short one paragraph statement on why it is misleading and what can be done to avoid being misled by it.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

In today’s information-driven society, statistics are frequently used to support claims, influence opinions, and persuade audiences. While well-presented statistics can lend credibility to arguments, they are often misused to deceive or manipulate audiences into accepting conclusions that are not fully supported by the data. This paper examines a legitimate statistic regarding the relationship between smoking and lung cancer, explores how it can be misused to mislead the public, and demonstrates how such misrepresentation could be employed in a persuasive, yet deceptive, advertisement.

A reliable statistic from the American Cancer Society states that “smokers are 15 to 30 times more likely to develop lung cancer than nonsmokers” (American Cancer Society, 2021). This figure originates from multiple longitudinal studies conducted over decades, making it a robust and well-substantiated statistic. The statistic is often cited in public health campaigns to discourage smoking, emphasizing the strong link between tobacco use and lung cancer risk. However, this statistic can be manipulated to mislead an audience if taken out of context or presented selectively.

For example, in a hypothetical advertisement aiming to persuade individuals to avoid smoking, a phrase might be prominently displayed: “Did you know? Smoking increases your risk of lung cancer by up to 30 times!” The ad might feature bold graphics of cigarettes and lungs, manipulating the viewer’s emotions by emphasizing danger. The statistic is framed to suggest an alarming increase in risk, implying that smoking nearly guarantees lung cancer. This framing can be misleading because it ignores the baseline probability of lung cancer among nonsmokers, which is relatively low. It also does not account for other contributing factors such as genetic predisposition or environmental exposures, which also influence lung cancer risk.

Furthermore, the statistic’s broad range (15 to 30 times) can be used to exaggerate the danger when presented selectively. A persuader might highlight the upper limit (30 times) to amplify fear and urgency, disregarding the typical range. This selective emphasis creates a sense of inevitability and panic, which may not be justified by individual risk assessments. These tactics shape perceptions by distorting the statistical reality through framing and framing effects.

To avoid being misled by such manipulations, it is essential to understand the context and limitations of statistics. Consumers should seek out original sources and examine the methodology behind the data. Instead of reacting to sensationalized soundbites, critical thinkers compare multiple sources, recognize the potential for bias, and consider absolute risks versus relative risks. For instance, knowing that the absolute risk of lung cancer among nonsmokers is about 1.3%, the 30-fold increase still results in a relatively low probability—around 39%. This perspective helps clarify the actual danger and prevents undue alarm.

In conclusion, statistics are powerful tools that can be used ethically to inform the public, but they are also susceptible to misuse for manipulation. Recognizing common tactics such as selective framing, sensationalism, and neglecting context is crucial in critically evaluating statistical claims. Educating oneself on how to interpret data and verify sources is an essential step toward avoiding deception and making informed decisions based on accurate information.

References

• American Cancer Society. (2021). Lung Cancer Facts & Figures 2021. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2021/cancer-facts-and-figures-2021.pdf
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