JSM 2005 Online Program

Abstract #303318

This is the preliminary program for the 2005 Joint Statistical Meetings in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Currently included in this program is the "technical" program, schedule of invited, topic contributed, regular contributed and poster sessions; Continuing Education courses (August 7-10, 2005); and Committee and Business Meetings. This on-line program will be updated frequently to reflect the most current revisions.

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= Presenter

Activity Number:	179
Type:	Topic Contributed
Date/Time:	Monday, August 8, 2005 : 2:00 PM to 3:50 PM
Sponsor:	Section on Statistical Education
Abstract - #303318
Title:	Toys, Tales, and a Journalist's View of Statistics
Author(s):	Lewis Cope*+
Companies:	Minneapolis Star & Tribune (Retired)
Address:	5217 West 91st Street, Bloomington, MN, 55437, United States
Keywords:
Abstract:	I tell some tall-tales in talking about statistics. I minimize the math. I oversimplify. And I use my grandson's toys to make my points. OK, I'm just a journalist. But I'm one who gives lectures to fellow journalists about using numbers, because statistics are extremely important in telling our readers and viewers about science, politics, and other items in the news. So this old science writer has a few ideas that just might help promote statistical literacy for the lay public. I tell journalists to use four tests in assessing all scientific studies and opinion polls: check the numbers, while knowing what really counts; look at study design, while remembering the "Rear View Mirror Rule;" look for "other explanations," where one question fits all; and recognize the value of journalistic and peer review. I also talk about missing numbers---a problem in many areas of the news. I use newsy examples, talk about ratings risks, and warn about the "Lake Wobegon Effect," based on statistics from that fabled Minnesota community. And my bottom line: Your noggin is even more important than the numbers.

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