Lies, damn lies, and statistics

This article was published in ABC The Drum 14 January 2011

When Mark Twain uttered his memorable phrase, the science of statistics was in its infancy, and he could not have anticipated that statistics and data analysis would take centre stage in many of the 21st century’s controversies.

Was Mark Twain correct?

No.

Properly executed statistics are, in the words of statistician W. A. Wallis, “a body of methods for making wise decisions in the face of uncertainty.” Alas, the ease with which statistics can be abused for deception and manipulation challenges the public to remain alert and, indeed, alarmed.