How are Percentages Used and Abused?

Percentages are used everywhere. From discounts in shops to stories about the efficacy of a new drug. It is perhaps this widespread usage that makes us so susceptible to misinterpreting them. Of course retailers want you to think you're getting a better deal than you are. But it is always a good idea to think carefully about any percentage presented to you and work out what it means.

Let's be curious and ask, 'how are percentages used?'

How are Graphs Manipulated? Skewed Statistics 3

Graphs are useful to present a sets of data in a visually appealing way whilst still containing all the information. Last week in the Skewed Statistics series, we looked at correlation and causation, a topic which often includes graphs. We saw then how data can be manipulated to imply causation. Graphs, too, are easily manipulated. Sometimes this is to make the data easier to read or understand. Other times this manipulation can mislead. It is important to know how graphs are used and abused.

Let's be curious and ask, 'how are graphs manipulated?'

Correlation or Causation? Skewed Statistics 2

Last week we looked at averages and saw how they can be abused. This week we turn our attention to correlation and causation. Correlations are probably the most abused statistical entity, particularly by pseudo-science and disreputable media.

Let's be curious and ask 'correlation or causation?'.

Which Average Should I Use? Skewed Statistics 1

Statistics are quoted all the time in the media. However, sometimes the media, accidentally or otherwise, can skew statistics such that they lie. In many of these cases the statistic is technically correct, but presented in a misleading manner. Skewed Statistics is series of articles, posted on Saturdays, about how different types of statistics should be used, and how they are misused.

Averages are one of the most common types of statistic used. We all probably remember being taught about the different types of averages in school: mean, median, mode, and range. But do we actually know when we should use each type?

Let's be curious and ask, 'which average should I use?'

How Does Sunscreen Work?

Image designed by Matthew Bird using Canva
"The Sun". Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons.

Sometimes understanding the science behind something will not only benefit you intellectually, but physically as well. Sunscreen is one of the those cases. By knowing how sunscreen works you'll understand why you need to use it and in what way. So let's be curious and find out how sunscreen works.

How Big is a Billion?

Counting is easy, right? When we were very young, we were taught to count in terms of apples or blocks or something like that: one apple, two apples, three apples, and so on. It is easy to imagine three apples. It doesn't require much effort to imagine ten apples. Imagining a hundred apples requires a bit more effort, but isn't too tough.

Now try to image a billion apples. What are you thinking of? A room filled with apples? A concert hall filled with apples? Let's be honest with ourselves, and admit that imagining a billion apples is hard. So, how do we go about imagining a billion apples?

Why Bother With Science?

Science is everywhere. It is in the food you eat and the car you drive, the clothes on your back and the phone at your ear. As this blog’s title suggests, it is all science.

But scientists do all the science in your food and cars, so why should you bother with science? Modern day society is faced with many issues. Just think about global warming, the energy crisis, recessions, poverty, not to mention all the health-risks around the world and the worrying rise of antibiotic resistance.