Jones Logical Fallacies: Tools to

¶ … Jones Logical Fallacies: Tools to detect them There is little question that logical or analytical fallacies can (and have) plagued data analysts in all major fields of knowledge from the beginning of recorded time. Not only can these fallacies of reason cause immense harm due to their capacity to mislead, but they can also ruin an otherwise sound argument or conclusion. For this reason, it is important to utilize varied "tools" designed to prevent or detect fallacies.

Of all the sciences, statistics is one of the most useful methods used to analyze raw data in order to draw conclusions or derive meaning from a set of events or characteristics. Thus, when an error in either the interpretation or the representation of the data involved is allowed to enter into the equation, the effect can be devastating in many ways. Specifically, a statistical fallacy can occur when a person or group of people either intentionally or accidentally misuse an otherwise sound statistical method.

Although it is true that through the proper use of statistics one can prove assumptions that have "...been extremely valuable for the accumulation of scientific knowledge, most of which has been beneficial to mankind, the opposite is also true when the improper use of statistics is allowed. For example, many note the use of statistics in the commercial world can lead the consumer to error.

Consider the following: OxyClean is a miracle product! It reduces stains in your carpet 97% better than any other product on the market!" Sure, that sounds great, but one has to wonder at the statistical methods used.

For example, what was the size of their sample of stains? Did it adequately represent the vast myriad of possible stain types that most consumers encounter in their homes? How many carpet samples were used? Did it represent the different types of carpet or just one kind? How well do the other 97% of products work? How do they define "on the market?" Another common fallacy that occurs is an "appeal to the people" argument otherwise known as the "argumentum ad populum." In this case an example may be, "Vote for Bush in November! He is #1 with Washington Moms!" Of course, this reasoning is false because even if the claim were true, there is no reason to assume logically that the majority of Washington moms are indeed right.

Finally, another common type of fallacy is known as the "genetic fallacy." In this type of flawed logical reasoning, a claim might be made like, "Our people have always believed in the superiority of Flemish lamb meat...So it must be the best." Of course, there is no reason to suspect that one people's opinion regarding any issue is definite "proof" of the correctness of their position. Although such an argument is often convincing (perhaps due to social reasons) it is not logically sound.

Because fallacies like the ones presented above can cause such problems in all forms of research and decision making, it is useful to have some tools to analyze a given statement.

Known as "analytical tools," some examples are the "Devils Advocate," a method in which one argues against the stated conclusion to determine its validity (even though one may not agree with the position), "Lateral Thinking," or Edward de Bono's term for a type of creative thinking involving "pattern-switching within a patterning system." In basic terms, this means taking a look at a statement from a different perspective. For example, de Bono gives the example, "Grandma is knitting and young Susie is disturbing her playing with the wool.

The father suggests putting Susie into the playpen. The mother suggests it might be a better idea to put Grandma in the playpen." This definitely gives one a different perspective on the original statement, and the logic behind it! Additional tools include PMI, with P=good points, M=bad points, and I=interesting points. PMI- Plus/Minus/Interesting.

In simple terms, one tallies all positive points in a column, all negative points in a column, and interesting points in a column in which one factors in the extended implications of accepting a statement or action. Of course this is also similar to "CAF" or considering all the factors -- both of which should be commonly used in evaluating statements or possible actions.

In conclusion, there are many types of logical fallacies that confront people in all aspects of life -- from academic and scientific research to even making the most common decisions of daily living. Being able to identify a fallacy when one is presented with one, as well as being.