Modules
Grade 5
🔍Is It True?
Statistical Literacy
Develop skills for interpreting statistics and data claims critically.
12 min 3 quiz questions Grade 5
Statistics Can Mislead
"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics." — Often attributed to Mark Twain. Statistics can be accurate but still misleading, depending on how they are presented.
Common Statistical Misleads
- Misleading percentages: "200% increase" sounds huge but might be from 1 to 3
- Cherry-picking data: Selecting only the data that supports your conclusion
- Correlation vs. causation: Two things happening together does not mean one causes the other
- Misleading graphs: Truncated axes that exaggerate differences
- Sample size: A survey of 10 people is not representative of millions
- Absolute vs. relative risk: "Doubles your risk" sounds scary; "from 1 in 1,000,000 to 2 in 1,000,000" is less alarming
Correlation vs. Causation:Correlation means two things happen together; causation means one thing causes the other. Correlation does not prove causation.
Ask: Compared to What?
When you see a statistic, always ask: "Compared to what?" A 50% increase sounds significant, but 50% of what? What is the baseline? What is the context?
Statistical Literacy:The ability to read, understand, and critically evaluate statistical claims and data.
Ready to test your knowledge?
3 questions · Grade 5 level