Question
What do you understand by distrust of statistics?
Solution
By distrust of statistics, we mean lack of confidence in statistical statements and statistical methods. In other words, distrust of statistics implies that people look upon statistics with doubt and suspicion.
Following are some remarks:
1. Statistics can prove or disprove anything.
2. There are three types of lies : lies, damned lies and statistics.
Following are the main reasons for distrust of statistics :
(i) Figures are manipulated by dishonest persons to present a wrong picture of the facts.
(ii) People do not really know about statistics.
(iii) People have blind faith in statistics. They are not careful while accepting the statistical figures.
