1. Copyright 2008, Scott Gray1 How to Lie with Statistics Darrell Huff Discussion Topics

2. Copyright 2008, Scott Gray 2 Pigeonhole this book. What problem is the author trying to solve? Did you find reading this book helped you consider statistics you encounter? How? Can you give and example of a misleading statistic? What sampling bias would you suspect in internet polls? Discuss sampling bias in political polls.

3. Copyright 2008, Scott Gray 3 Define mean, median, and mode. Discuss sample size and polling margin of error. Contrast statistical skepticism of IQ measurements with the liberal anathematizing of IQ tests. When missing from a graph, what should make you suspicious? If this is the case, how do you do treat the graph? What about supporting arguments for the graph?

4. Copyright 2008, Scott Gray 4 Consider the reporting of motor vehicle accidents in cars vs. motorcycles. What about the involvement of alcohol? You should recognize similarity between some statistical misuse and several of the logical fallacies we covered. Discuss Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc. (If you need help getting started, consider college graduation and income.) Talk about the difference between losing and gaining 50% of an investment.

5. Copyright 2008, Scott Gray 5 State and explain the five big questions in the final chapter.