Many people in the U.S. believe that their statistical knowledge is limited, but they would rely on statistics for decision-making more if they understood statistics better, according to a new study led by a Penn State researcher.
There’s a reason statistics isn’t required in highschool. Because if broke people knew the odds of the lottery, a lot wouldn’t play. They’re the ones supporting it basically.
There’s a reason statistics isn’t required in highschool. Because if broke people knew the odds of the lottery, a lot wouldn’t play. They’re the ones supporting it basically.
That’s exactly it. Statistics is a far simpler math than functions or calculus, yet it doesn’t get taught until university.
If people understood statistics, they would understand that all political polling is vastly underpowered.
The odds of winning the lottery are the same as getting struck by lightning twice.
Easier to understand.
Even when I’m a storm chaser who likes to hang out in fields with metal poles? I like my odds!
Not sure they’re equivalent.
Maybe it’s because I live in a tropical hell hole but I’ve had lightning strike the house multiple times. I ain’t never won the lottery though
I think it’s about YOU, not your house.
Muh house aint never won the lotry neither
The lottery is just the tip of the iceberg.
But people don’t learn statistics for the same old reasons: indoctrination, privilege/deprivation, ancient/misguided teaching standards, etc.
Similarly most people don’t ever learn compsci/programming because for example they’re studying calculus from the 1700s that they’ll never use, etc.
The end goal is a compliant, obedient student, not an educated, critical person.