Promoting Bad Statistics

Promoting Bad Statistics Due: Sun Feb 15, 2026 11:59pmDue: Sun Feb 15, 2026 11:59pm Ungraded, 10 Possible Points 10 Points Possible Attempt Attempt 1 In Progress NEXT UP: Submit Assignment Unlimited Attempts Allowed Modern advanced societies rely very much on scientific research in all aspects of life for planning and policy making purposes. Statistics play a major role in our understanding of the contemporary American society. For instance, crime statistics from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports show us whether violent crime is increasing or decreasing in the American society. Unfortunately, statistics just like everything else today can be misused and thus misleading. Read the article by Joel Best titled Promoting Bad Statistics, and write your reaction by answering the following questions: What does Best mean by claiming that numbers are social constructions? Find an example in the media in which someone is using numbers to promote concern about a particular social problem. Based on Best’s article, what questions would you need to ask to find out if the numbers are accurate? Remember, there are no right or wrong answers in sociology: there are only logical answers. So, do not be afraid to state your opinions and reactions as clearly as possible.