Discussion: Bias, Statistics, News and Lies. Previous Next Statistics and Lies "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics." - Mark Twain. A mid-twentieth century book: Lesson

Discussion: Bias, Statistics, News and Lies.

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Statistics and Lies

"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics." - Mark Twain.

A mid-twentieth century book: Lessons on How to Lie with Statistics still holds true. 2020 was a year filled with lies and obfuscation which spread like wildfire on social media. What is real? What is fake?

Module 1 Discussion Week 1 ResourcesWithout learning to think statistically, we'll never know when people are bending the truth (2020)3 Ways to Lie with Statistics (2021)How To Lie With Statistics (2020)Griggs: Chaos, butterflies, and numbers that lie (2021)

Week 1 Discussion Post

Based on the resources provided or your research, share how studying statistics, data analysis, and decision-making can provide a foundation for detecting lies or poorly supported “facts.” Consider a career/professional application rather than a personal one. (Research Support Required)

This post should be 2 paragraphs in length (150-200 words). Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite in the body of the post and add a reference list in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying in-text citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” on the grading rubric.

WEEK 1 INTERACTIVE RESPONSES TO CLASSMATES

1st Interactive Response:

·         Analyze one student's application and compare/contrast it to your post.

2nd Interactive Response:

·         Analyze another student's coverage of lies or poorly supported “facts” and compare/contrast it to your post.

Each reply should be one paragraph in length (or about 75 words) and must be substantive. Do not simply say “I agree” or “That is great”; specify why and be detailed in your explanation. You may use research in your responses, but it is not required.

Bias, Statistics and News

You have seen poll results and heard about statistics reported in the news. And there have been instances when two different groups cover the same statistics/data with different results or interpretations. Is one group lying?

Module 1 Discussion Week 2 ResourcesWhy stats in the news don’t often add up – and how to spot a fake (2021)Polls – can you really believe them? (2021)The Number Bias by Sanne Blauw review – how numbers can mislead us (2020)COVID-19, lies, and statistics: corruption and the pandemic (2021)Coronavirus, and the Media's Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics (2020)

Based on the resources provided and internet research, find an example of two different sources promoting opposite points of view when reporting on the same statistics. Analyze how the arguments are laid out. Approach it scientifically rather than allowing bias to guide your interpretation. Provide hyperlinks to both sources. (Research Support Required)

This post should be 2 paragraphs in length (150-200 words). Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite in the body of the post and add a reference list in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying in-text citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” on the grading rubric.

WEEK 2 INTERACTIVE RESPONSES TO CLASSMATES1st Interactive Response:

·         Analyze one student's analysis and point out perceived bias that you see in the post.

2nd Interactive Response:

·         Analyze another student's coverage and share how your bias makes you more prone to believe one point of view over another.

Each reply should be one paragraph in length (or about 75 words) and must be substantive. Do not simply say “I agree” or “That is great”; specify why and be detailed in your explanation. You may use research in your responses, but it is not required.

In your own words, respond to the discussion and comments of classmates. Grades will be based on effectual, concise, and interactive feedback. The excessive use of quotes will directly impact performance since this indicates a lack of comprehension and shows that you may not have mastered the concepts.

Why a discussion post and reply each week? Planning and time management are invaluable skills for business professionals who juggle jobs, personal lives, and other endeavors. Coming to terms with balancing priorities in an academic setting is a transferable skill to the workplace. Making optimum decisions about scheduling can help you excel along the career path.