How to Lie with Statistics

Over Half a Million Copies Sold--an Honest-to-Goodness Bestseller Darrell Huff runs the gamut of every popularly used type of statistic, probes such things as the sample study, the tabulation method, the interview technique, or the way the results are derived from the figures, and points up the countless number of dodges which are used to full rather than to inform.

Darrell Huff runs the gamut of every popularly used type of statistic,
probes such things as the sample study, the tabulation method, the interview technique, or the way results are derived from the figures,
and points up the countless number of dodges which are used to fool rather than to inform.

Booknews

A 1954 classic that continues to dispel false beliefs and inform the statistically naive. Huff's direct and witty style exposes how advertisers, government and the media mislead their audiences through the misuse of statistics. Huff then explains how the reader can see through the smoke and mirrors to get to the real meaning--if any--of what is presented. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

If you want to outsmart a crook, learn his tricks—Darrell Huff explains exactly how in the classic How to Lie with Statistics. From distorted graphs and biased samples to misleading averages, there are countless statistical dodges that lend cover to anyone with an ax to grind or a product to sell. With abundant examples and illustrations, Darrell Huff’s lively and engaging primer clarifies the basic principles of statistics and explains how they’re used to present information in honest and not-so-honest ways. Now even more indispensable in our data-driven world than it was when first published, How to Lie with Statistics is the book that generations of readers have relied on to keep from being fooled. The Sample With The Built-in Bias -- The Well-chosen Average -- The Little Figures That Are Not There -- Much Ado About Practically Nothing -- The Gee-whiz Graph -- The One-dimensional Picture -- The Semiattached Figure -- Post Hoc Rides Again -- How To Statisticulate -- How To Talk Back To A Statistic. Pictures By Irving Geis. Darrell Huff runs the gamut of every popularly used type of statistic, probes such things as the sample study, the tabulation method, the interview technique, or the way the results are derived from the figures, and points up the countless number of dodges which are used to fool rather than to inform. The author runs the gamut of every popularly used type of statistic, probes such things as the sample study, the tabulation method, the interview technique, or the way the results are derived from the figures, and points up the countless number of dodges which are used to fool rather than inform A "humorous dissertation on statistical prevarication. The sample with the built-in bias, the well-chosen average, the insignificant difference, the one-dimensional picture, and the unwarranted assumption are among the subjects treated." Both charming and informative about how statistics are misused. Published long ago, but the tricks haven't changed.