Using Statistics

Statistics are often tossed around as if they could speak for themselves. For example, advertisers claim 'Ivory soap is 99% pure.' (Pure what?) Or a researcher may claim that 'the average American today watches 5.3 hours of TV per day.' (What does 'average' mean?) All facts must be interpreted and presented in your argument; this handout presents five guidelines designed to help you use statistics responsibly.

Purdue University. Academic>Research>Methods