Statistical Abuse

[Jackalgirl]

The BBC ran an article about Hugo Chavez today, titled "Venezuela head outlines changes".

President Hugo Chavez has announced plans to change to Venezuela's constitution, allowing him to remain in power indefinitely.
Under the current rules, Mr Chavez would have to step down at the end of his term in 2012.

His plans would also increase presidential control over Venezuela's municipalities and states.

The article goes on to say: "President Chavez told the [Venezuelan National] Assembly his proposals only affected 10% of the constitution."

(Emphasis mine.)

I'm sorry to say that I and my whole family broke out into laughter at that point. Talk about statistical abuse.

I know that homeopathy is ripe with meaningless statistics, and I've seen other discussions of that sort of thing here -- but this one, for me, just really takes the cake. I mean, it really assumes that the people on the other end of the argument are absolute morons (which, of course, really just points the moron arrow back at the arguer).

What's the funniest example of statistical abuse you've ever seen, especially used (or abused) in the name of irrationality?

 

[arthwollipot]

Tornado in a Junkyard.

 

[blutoski]

I saw a naturopathic remedy that claimed it was 700% less toxic than the conventional treatment.

 

[Darat]

All "youth creams" adverts - "78% of women said they felt less wrinkles*"

*sample of 18.

 

[Cuddles]

My favourite example wasn't really abuse, but certainly relied on the reader being stupid. On an advert for an online gambling site: "Average return 98.7%". Not small print, that was the main text of the advert.

 

[YouBelieveWHAT?]

Isn't 2012 going to be the end of the woo-world?

In that case, it hardly matters

YBW