Statistical methods and applications

¶ … Damned Lies and Statistics by Joel Best discusses both the uses and misuses of statistics, particularly in relation to social issues, problems, changes, and policies. Best puts his focus especially on the use of social statistics as issues and problems because information received and beliefs and perceptions developed from social statistics have a beneficial and detrimental effect to the lives of people in a society.

In his book, Best surveyed current literature, both popular and scientific/technical, that uses social statistics as bases for their claims and arguments. He noted that more often than not, this growing body of literature that is empirically-driven and -- generated have erroneously interpreted and/or reported statistical results and findings. The use of "authoritative statistics" and "missing numbers" is especially salient in Best's discussions in the book. Statistics and statistical values are used as 'tools' by individuals, groups or institutions to provide a valid claim to their arguments and claims. Best especially calls the reader's attention at how these numbers and statistical values attempt to "confuse" the general public, generally assuming that the popular audience would just accept a number or statistic mainly because it seems to come from a credible source, and secondarily, because readers generally do not 'compute' and know how to understand statistics. Thus, holders of this statistically-driven information holds the 'power' over the general public, succeeding in influencing the general public's opinion and feelings about a specific issue or social concern. Best reflects in his book his advocacy for correct usage of social statistics, as he knows the critical role that numbers and statistics play in swaying not only general opinion and perception, but ultimately, in the public's perception of the favorability of a public issue, which could possibly lead to the development and implementation of legislation that will inevitably affect the lives of many people. However, as reflected throughout the book, it is critical to have a basic understanding of how social statistics are applied in popular media today. Perhaps it would help to think that what Best actually promotes is the use of critical thinking -- how an individual should process and analyze information (such as social statistics) first before believing this information, and forming an opinion and/or feelings about the issue being discussed or in which the social statistic is said to be relevant or significantly related.