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  • Wrong Number: How to Extract Truth from a Blizzard of Quantitative Disinformation by Aaron Brown book cover
  • Wrong Number: How to Extract Truth from a Blizzard of Quantitative Disinformation by Aaron Brown book cover
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Wrong Number: How to Extract Truth from a Blizzard of Quantitative Disinformation

by Aaron Brown

Reading the numbers behind public claims

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AlbakiReads Editorial

Reading the numbers behind public claims

Aaron Brown examines how statistical errors and numerical claims shape coverage of prominent public issues. The book considers questions involving minimum-wage policy, cannabis and health, access to science, vaping risks, and gun control, using them to show both how numbers can obscure a point and how quantitative evidence can help investigate one. Its emphasis is on evaluating the reasoning behind claims encountered in journals and media accounts, not simply accepting a statistic at face value. The examples connect statistical interpretation with debates in policy, health, and public life.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Students in quantitative fields seeking examples of statistics applied to public issues
  • Readers who want to assess numerical claims in news and journal articles
  • People interested in how data informs debates about policy and health

Themes

Statistical reasoningMedia and quantitative claimsPublic policyHealth evidence

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

Dig deep to discover the truth about numbers and statistics in the media

Wrong Number: How to Extract Truth From a Blizzard of Quantitative Disinformation shows readers how to diagnose statistical errors in journal articles and media accounts of prominent public issues. In addition to the mistakes or tricks with numbers other people use to lose the truth, this book also offers more positive material, showing how to use numbers to find truth.

Written by Aaron Brown, prominent media figure, former professor, sports bettor, and poker player, and host of the popular ReasonTV series Wrong Number, this book answers questions including:

  • Did California's minimum wage hike really create more jobs?
  • Do studies show that weed causes strokes and heart attacks?
  • Are poor geniuses being shut out of science?
  • What is the real health risk of vaping?
  • Does gun control work?

Wrong Number: How to Extract Truth From a Blizzard of Quantitative Disinformation is an entertaining and eye-opening read for students in quantitative programs of study, along with all individuals curious as to whether or not they're being told the truth from their favorite media organizations.

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