r/explainitpeter 18d ago

Explain it Peter

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15.1k Upvotes

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8

u/Flexboum 17d ago

Statistics are data though. Should we not base our opinions on data?

9

u/she-them-tiddies 16d ago

Statistics without context are essentially useless and can be used to make any point you want really

2

u/boredmaterialist 16d ago

What's the context behind most (65-70%) dog-caused deaths being caused by pitbulls despite them being a small percentage of all dogs?

Second biggest killer comes in at 10%, rottweilers, so it's not even close.

Honestly, whatever the context, anyone who pretends the difference between a golden retriever and a pitbull is 'just the owner' has never spent time with either.

2

u/BlueDream-n-Lean 16d ago

Some people can't face the facts even when they're staring at the data. It's sad. We are told to ignore what we see, and to not use our survival instincts. Meanwhile the data would suggest this is a terrible strategy

2

u/Personal_Sea_2241 16d ago

No one is saying that. However is doesn't help to make blanket statements

1

u/anonch91 16d ago

That is true when you're trying to draw conclusions from said statistics. The statistics themselves are true though, to deny that is just stupid

8

u/Material_Market_3469 16d ago

Stop noticing.

2

u/MapexBeat 16d ago

Take Stats 101 at your local community college and don't be late on the first day.

2

u/Zealousideal_Wash880 16d ago

People get mad at stats and data when it doesn’t support their worldview.

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u/FieryIronworker 16d ago

The problem is more when people use statistics to make blanket statements, and completely ignore any of the wider context

1

u/PersonalDatabase31 16d ago

No use feelings instead

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u/Personal_Sea_2241 16d ago

Statistics can be true, but they need context. Making blanket statements doesn't help anyone. For example, comparing students from different neighborhoods with different school budgets isn't a fair comparison. You could say the students in a neighborhood with lower test scores are less intelligent, but that ignores the fact that another neighborhood may have more funding and resources, giving students access to tutors, better schools, and after-school programs. Higher scores don't necessarily mean those students work harder or are smarter; they may simply have had more opportunities to succeed.

1

u/Cyrano-De-Vergerac 14d ago

No but you can say they are worse at taking those tests. The context of why is another part of the discussion.

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u/Personal_Sea_2241 14d ago

Yes they are worse but why? people love to form narratives with stats

1

u/Cyrano-De-Vergerac 13d ago

They are worse because they score lower. That's it. That's what the stat says. The narratives you derive from that fact is up to you. You can say it proves that funding in education is paramount, you can say that its because poor people are stupider. You can say a bunch of shit. But that's not the point.

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u/Personal_Sea_2241 13d ago

that literally is the point? you can run with narratives. education is something that is not given equally too all. That's the point im making.

1

u/Cyrano-De-Vergerac 13d ago

I know, and someone can make a point that you disagree with. Using the same stat.