Statistics and Reliability

In this modern age, we are inundated with statistics (e.g., 50% of marriages end in divorce), so much so that
many accept them at face value. Do you think statistics are a reliable source of data? Do you think, for the
most part, people should accept statistics at face value? How might we misuse statistics, purposefully or
accidentally? What do you think are the limitations or risks of using statistics to persuade individuals?
Topic 2. Causal Arguments in the Real World
“Correlation does not imply causation” is a phrase that is often thrown around. Just because two events are
associated does not mean that one cause another. Yet, we often fall into this trap. We use singular
observations to generate weakly justified conclusions.
In your opinion, why do people willingly assume that correlation implies causation? How might you prevent
yourself from making this assumption? Is it important to make a distinction between correlation and causation?
If academic, scientific, and political institutions failed to make this distinction, what do you think would happen?

The post Statistics and Reliability first appeared on COMPLIANT PAPERS.