BUS 520 Week 1 Discussion

BUS 520 Week 1 Discussion | trident-university

Discussion: Bias, Statistics, News and Lies.

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Statistics and Lies

"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics." - Mark Twain.

A mid-twentieth century book: Lessons on How to Lie with Statistics still holds true. 2020 was a year filled with lies and obfuscation which spread like wildfire on social media. What is real? What is fake?

Module 1 Discussion Week 1 Resources
Without learning to think statistically, we'll never know when people are bending the truth (2020)
3 Ways to Lie with Statistics (2021)
How To Lie With Statistics (2020)
Griggs: Chaos, butterflies, and numbers that lie (2021)

Week 1 Discussion Post

Based on the resources provided or your research, share how studying statistics, data analysis, and decision-making can provide a foundation for detecting lies or poorly supported “facts.” Consider a career/professional application rather than a personal one. (Research Support Required)

This post should be 2 paragraphs in length (150-200 words). Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite in the body of the post and add a reference list in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying in-text citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” on the grading rubric.

WEEK 1 INTERACTIVE RESPONSES TO CLASSMATES

1st Interactive Response:

·         Analyze one student's application and compare/contrast it to your post.

2nd Interactive Response:

·         Analyze another student's coverage of lies or poorly supported “facts” and compare/contrast it to your post.

Each reply should be one paragraph in length (or about 75 words) and must be substantive. Do not simply say “I agree” or “That is great”; specify why and be detailed in your explanation. You may use research in your responses, but it is not required.

Bias, Statistics and News

You have seen poll results and heard about statistics reported in the news. And there have been instances when two different groups cover the same statistics/data with different results or interpretations. Is one group lying?

Module 1 Discussion Week 2 Resources
Why stats in the news don’t often add up – and how to spot a fake (2021)
Polls – can you really believe them? (2021)
The Number Bias by Sanne Blauw review – how numbers can mislead us (2020)
COVID-19, lies, and statistics: corruption and the pandemic (2021)
Coronavirus, and the Media's Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics (2020)

Based on the resources provided and internet research, find an example of two different sources promoting opposite points of view when reporting on the same statistics. Analyze how the arguments are laid out. Approach it scientifically rather than allowing bias to guide your interpretation. Provide hyperlinks to both sources. (Research Support Required)

This post should be 2 paragraphs in length (150-200 words). Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite in the body of the post and add a reference list in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying in-text citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” on the grading rubric.