How to not be fooled by statistics in everyday life

You'll learn the sneaky statistical tricks that companies, politicians, journalists, and scientists use (yes, scientists are sneaky as well) to mislead – or downright deceive – their audience.

By examining how these tricks are used, you'll be less susceptible to 'fake news' and more critical of the onslaught of information we face in our daily lives. You'll be a statistical cynic!

We'll cover a buffet of different statistical traps, such as:

• Correlations disguised as causality
• Creatively selected samples
• Devious graphs

To frame our discussion, we'll cover examples from politics, gambling, public health and advertising, among others.

No mathematical knowledge is needed – just a willingness to believe that statistics is not dull.

(Graphics: Shutterstock)