| As our sources will likely suggest, statistics as a process can be manipulated. Statistics can also be manipulated in how findings are presented, conveyed and applied. We can see this in how certain products are advertised, leveraging statistical findings to “prove” effectiveness, quality, or support from experts. For example, a recent television commercial suggested a particular toothpaste was 21% more effective in whitening teeth. Upon reading the fine print (which is very difficult to read on screen during a brief commercial), it became clear that the so-called improvement in whitening was in comparison to just one specific brand of competing toothpaste that is not advertised as a whitening product. Such a comparison would be similar to me suggesting my truck can haul more mulch than my neighbor’s car, despite the fact that my neighbor’s car is not designed, intended, or marketed for its hauling capacity. I could produce graphs and charts that make sure my truck would be preferred. Upon deeper analysis, we would see problems with this comparison. Even though such statistics may be true and verifiable, the manner in which applications are conveyed can reveal significant manipulation. Realizing such potential for statistics to be manipulated, how might the typical consumer of information protect themselves? |
