When the numbers just don't add up

Useful Sites

Glossary of mathematical mistakes

One individual's collection of the ways in which numbers can be misrepresented.

Statistics every writer should know (Niles Online, USA)

Explains some basic concepts in statistics from mean and median to standard deviation and margin of error. 'Data analysis' suggests ways to look at data more critically.

Ockham's Razor (ABC Radio National)

Transcripts from the ABC radio program, Ockham's Razor.

Be aware of mathematics (29 June 1997)
Statistics, models and measurements are often presented to support a point of view. According to Dr David Blest, Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Tasmania, a critical interpretation of numbers like these requires a knowledge of mathematics.

The need for statistical literacy in Australia (13 April 1997)
Dr Jane Watson, Reader in Mathematical Education at the University of Tasmania, presents a number of examples showing how statistics can be misused, and suggests that there are three stages in the development of statistical literacy.

Can you trust statistics? (Peter Macinnis, Australia)

A chatty discussion about the use and abuse of statistics. (Originally presented on Ockham's Razor, 1991.)

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Page updated June 2010.