Promoting Bad Statistics by Joel Best gives us a first-hand look at how the media uses numbers to promote a certain concern. We see it daily on the news. They focus the number on gun control, inner city crime, unemployment, human trafficking, etc. The list could go on forever. While many people believe that statistics aren’t misleading, this article review will focus on how statistics in the media can be misleading. Now the question is “What does Joel Best mean by claiming that numbers are social constructions?” I believe Joel Best means that whatever numbers/statistics are higher gets news coverage first, social construction is a social operation.
Misleading Numbers
Joel Best begins his article by informing us that the numbers the media …show more content…
I do agree that there is a need for better gun control laws, but people need to know the real statistics, not something that is made up just so you can push your agenda. Gun controlled has become largely publicized in the past few years. Gun control is now becoming more highlighted because of the major recent shootings. Some of these shootings include Pulse Night Club, San Bernardino, Sandy Hook Elementary, etc. The media reports untrue statistics such as: that more than a thousand children die yearly in gun accidents, there is proof that longer waiting periods for a gun license lowers crime, crime will go drop if more people are armed, …show more content…
- How many were interviewed for the statistics?
- How was the statistical data created?
- What questions are being asked?
- Are there other statistics that match up or come close to matching these statistics?
- Are these statistics biased?
I believe these are all very important questions that should be asked and answered when spreading statistics that people believe to be true. As stated by John Best, statistics are socially constructed, they are nothing more than people’s creations. While statistics, when done correctly are tremendously helpful when you need interpretations or and explanations. I believe that it can help to see data (if the facts are true and conducted correctly) better visually. Every statistic, no matter how well it was thought out or conducted is imperfect, but still offer a way to summarize complex information.
John Best does a wonderful job explaining how statistics/numbers can and are misleading. When I watch the news, or read a report in the media, I have never once thought that these could be misleading, because they are a trusted news station. His article opened my eyes to be more alert and aware of what I’m reading, as well as to research what is being
Misleading Numbers
Joel Best begins his article by informing us that the numbers the media …show more content…
I do agree that there is a need for better gun control laws, but people need to know the real statistics, not something that is made up just so you can push your agenda. Gun controlled has become largely publicized in the past few years. Gun control is now becoming more highlighted because of the major recent shootings. Some of these shootings include Pulse Night Club, San Bernardino, Sandy Hook Elementary, etc. The media reports untrue statistics such as: that more than a thousand children die yearly in gun accidents, there is proof that longer waiting periods for a gun license lowers crime, crime will go drop if more people are armed, …show more content…
- How many were interviewed for the statistics?
- How was the statistical data created?
- What questions are being asked?
- Are there other statistics that match up or come close to matching these statistics?
- Are these statistics biased?
I believe these are all very important questions that should be asked and answered when spreading statistics that people believe to be true. As stated by John Best, statistics are socially constructed, they are nothing more than people’s creations. While statistics, when done correctly are tremendously helpful when you need interpretations or and explanations. I believe that it can help to see data (if the facts are true and conducted correctly) better visually. Every statistic, no matter how well it was thought out or conducted is imperfect, but still offer a way to summarize complex information.
John Best does a wonderful job explaining how statistics/numbers can and are misleading. When I watch the news, or read a report in the media, I have never once thought that these could be misleading, because they are a trusted news station. His article opened my eyes to be more alert and aware of what I’m reading, as well as to research what is being