Misues of Statistics

As I began to research this topic a little further I found that there are several misuses of statistics, and in some cases it is accidental, but then there are those cases where it is for the sole benefit of the proprietor. It is easy to become consumed into the traps of false advertisements, and it is even harder to get over such things, especially after you've already purchased the product.

Question #4 Pg. 810

In many ads for weight loss products, under the product claims and in small print, the following statement is made: "These results are not typical." What does this say about the product being advertised?

It says that the product is not guaranteed to do what it is being advertised to do, and it may be apparent that it will less than likely give you the result that you would hope to receive. Another way to take the statement "These results are not typical" is to know that the results may not be typical solely by using the product. Meaning there may be extra steps that need to be taken in order for the given result to be received. For this specific example, when using weight loss products it may also be necessary to exercise daily and eat healthy in order to obtain a specific result or a more than average result. I think this falls under a few of the misuse of statistics categories; Detached Statistics, and also Suspect Samples.

The reason I say it falls under Detached Statistics is because, the statement says "These results are not typical." Well what results are not typical? Why aren't the results typical? That is a claim that is not supported by any type of evidence. I think this example also falls under the Suspect Samples because in many of the weight loss commercial there may be a specific

MISUSE 3

demographic that was targeted in order to make the product that much more desirable. I have to ask myself well on the advertisement all the people weighed over 200 pounds and successfully

loss weight using the product, but would the product work on someone who is less than 100 pounds?

Question #14 pg. 812

Survey question:" How often do you run red lights?" Explain why each survey question might lead to an erroneous conclusion.

The main reason I think this question would lead to an erroneous conclusion is because the question does not specify the age group that is targeted, and what if the people do not live in an area where there are a lot of street lights. Another reason is the Faulty Survey Question misuse of statistics example. If the person is required to answer the question by mail, on the computer, or in a group setting the people may not