Statistics

Statistics are numerical data. How were the instances collected? How representative was the

sample (if any)? How reasonable is the

generalization? How are the statistics interpreted?

Exercise A3 Most (extent) Americans (population) favor U.S. involvement in the Middle

East (property). A recent poll of 250 people living in

or around Chicago (sample) revealed that 63% of those surveyed

favor such involvement (finding).

Exercise A5 In a recent…, 40% (finding) Of the 2,000 men involved (sample) Reported at least minimal hair

growth, and another 12% reported moderate hair growth (finding).

These data clearly establish that Sibodil really (extent)

Works to restore lost hair (property). (all men is the implied population.)

Exercise B

1. How was the sample chosen? How large was the sample?

3. Can’t generalize from sample.5. Small sample size. Is there any

reason to generalize that the discontent is growing?

Exercise C1. …the last one. / The net effect…3. …the past century. / These figures

prove…5. …the last quarter of 1999. / We have

to…7. …the last 300 years. / These statistics…9. …proceed with executions. / Thus,

capital punishment…11. …June, July, & August. / It certainly

pays…

Testimony Lay testimony: Opinions of reliable

observers with personal involvement. Expert testimony: Knowledge and opinions

arising from study or work experiences. Functions of testimony:

Verify truth or representative qualities of examples or statistics

Explain reasoning Interpret data

Credibility of Sources

Sufficient expertise Reasonable objectivity Access to information Accurate use of material Detail and clarity of evidence