An essential part of scientific thinking is not only how to use statistics correctly,but also how to identify the misuse of statistics.Our authors suggest that students should:
A)distrust all statistics because they convey a false impression of certainty and are typically wildly inaccurate.
B)integrate statistics with "real-life" issues,such as day care,in order to interpret them.
C)trust only those statistics that are presented in reputable newspapers and journals.
D)ask how the statistic was calculated and what data the statistic is based upon.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Asking how the statistic was calculated and what data it is based upon is an essential part of identifying the misuse of statistics. This helps to ensure that the statistic is valid and reliable. Option A is incorrect because although some statistics may be inaccurate, it is not accurate to distrust all statistics. Option B is a good suggestion, but it is not the best answer to the question asked. Option C is also incorrect because trusting only reputable newspapers and journals may not guarantee that the statistics presented are accurate or valid.

An Essential Part of Scientific Thinking Is Not Only How