Reading Assignment
Due 9-18-06
Choose one of the following books to read:
1) How to Lie With Statistics by Darrell Huff (available in the bookstore)
2) Innumeracy by John Allen Paulos (library or on reserve at circulation desk)
3) Damned Lies and Statistics by Joel Best (library or
on reserve at circulation desk)
4) 200% of Nothing by A. K. Dewdney (library or on reserve at circulation desk)
5) Statistics You Can’t Trust by Steve Campbell (on reserve at circulation desk)
6) How to Tell the Liars from the Statisticians by Robert Hook (library)
The books on reserve at the circulation desk will be available for overnight checkout only. Please take brief notes on each chapter including an example or two that strikes you as interesting. Please note page references for you examples.
There will be a writing assignment immediately following the due date for the reading assignment that will include finding a news article from a newspaper or a magazine that demonstrates poor or misleading statistical reporting. After reading the book, it is strongly recommended that you
begin your search of this example.
Writing Assignment for Book
Due 9-20-06
Please write an essay that includes answers to the following questions in the order that the questions are given. Make sure that you edit your writing. To ensure this is done, please include your rough draft. Show any corrections to be made in pencil on your rough draft. In addition, make sure that you write fully developed paragraphs which include documented references from your book. DO NOT PLAGIARIZE!!!
Remember you must include an example from the media that shows poor statistical reporting.
Your essay must be word processed.
Ø What did you like most about the book? Discuss at least one example that supports your opinion.
Ø What did you like least about the book? Discuss at least one example that supports your opinion.
Ø Discuss your example of poor statistical reporting. Explain why it is poor statistical reporting. Find the reference in your book that discusses this particular problem and discuss.
Ø Discuss why this assignment was made. Report on the efficacy of the assignment.
Ø Would you recommend the book you read to anyone else? Discuss your reasoning.
Please staple your work in the following order for ease of grading:
1) your word processed essay---final version
2) example from the media
3) your rough draft(s)
4) your handwritten notes about each chapter