Darrell Huff runs the gamut of every popularly used type of statistic, probes such things as the sample study, the tabulation method, the interview technique, or the way the results are derived from the figures, and points up the countless number of dodges which are used to fool rather than inform
How to Lie With Statistics (1954)
In short
The text investigates key statistical practices, including sample studies, tabulation methods, and interview techniques, to show how results are derived from raw figures. Huff details the numerous dodges employed to mislead audiences instead of informing them properly. By breaking down these data manipulations, the work demonstrates the specific ways statistical presentations are routinely distorted.
Key points
- Statistical methodologies are frequently used to deceive audiences rather than properly i…: Statistical methodologies are frequently used to deceive audiences rather than properly inform them.
- Standard processes of deriving results from figures remain susceptible to deliberate dist…: Standard processes of deriving results from figures remain susceptible to deliberate distortion.
- Data presentations can be systematically manipulated through deceptive dodges during repo…: Data presentations can be systematically manipulated through deceptive dodges during reporting.