Seven signs of potentially misleading statistics.

Tools Hero Graphic 1

Identifying potentially misleading statistical data can help guide policy more effectively.

  1. 1

    Everything is up statistic

    Prefers numbers over rates

  2. 2

    Best foot statistic

    Using mean vs. median or best year

  3. 3

    Half-truth statistic

    Special subgroup highlighted

  4. 4

    Anecdotal statistic

    The power of one

  5. 5

    Everything is average statistic

    He’s mean, she’s mean, they’re all mean

  6. 6

    Coincidence statistic

    Same birthday, same birth location; no correlation

  7. 7

    Meaningless statistic

    85% of people report being happy