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Tiger That Isn't
Published
(first published 2009)
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This book was very clear in the maths knowledge it bestowed on its readers, and it did not require a great deal of already-established knowledge to be able to understand what it was trying to tell you. It really was a big eye-opener into the world of statistics which is around us everyday; yes, you might already be aware that the data that you read in the newspapers isn't the most accurate, but do you realise just how wrong that data could be?
The book aims to bring out the main errors that are...more
The book aims to bring out the main errors that are...more
This book makes very light, easy reading. It has great merit in introducing some key concepts on interpretating and understanding how statistics are reported and (mis)used. However, I found that it made the same points over and over again, and many of them would be rather obvious to anyone with any sort of mathematical or scientific backgound or, frankly, common sense. Dare I say it: a good book for someone arts educated who has never had an interest in mathematical or scientific reasoning but w...more
Really outstanding stuff - this is a summary of the problems with statistics, and particularly with the way they're reported in the mainstream media. Blastland and Dilnot (the latter author being cruelly removed from the book's record on goodreads.com) produced a Radio 4 show about statistics called 'More or Less', and this book is a summary of some of the major issues they encountered.
I found it a truly fascinating read - it loses a star because some of the later chapters aren't as compelling a...more
I found it a truly fascinating read - it loses a star because some of the later chapters aren't as compelling a...more
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A guide to thinking critically about numbers. Clear, accessible, thought-provoking, and insightful, The Tiger That Isn't is a must-read.
It makes the case that one doesn't have to be mathematically gifted to make sense of the seemingly baffling stream of statistics that we both demand and fear. Instead, it shows how numbers can be made meaningful by making them personal, how averages might not mean what we think they do (as it points out, most of us have an above-average number of feet), what nu...more
It makes the case that one doesn't have to be mathematically gifted to make sense of the seemingly baffling stream of statistics that we both demand and fear. Instead, it shows how numbers can be made meaningful by making them personal, how averages might not mean what we think they do (as it points out, most of us have an above-average number of feet), what nu...more
This book fulfills its authors' stated goals of acquainting non-specialist readers with statistics without requiring extra rhetorical or mathematical skills. It's definitely not an incisive policy analysis or a treatise on statistical methods; if that's what you're looking for, look elsewhere. But the basic issues in statistical studies -- and, more importantly, many of the issues in reporting on statistics -- are here, with illustrative examples from Britain and the U.S. and repetitions of main...more
If ever assigned to teach research, this book will be required reading. The authors broke statistics into basic elements for chapters and provided insight into the challenges of data collection and analysis. Perhaps the most powerful lesson was to put numbers into a form of personal meaning. This skill alone would assist any student of statistics and research to better critically review research.
I read the review for this book in The Economist magazine some time ago. It was on my shelf througho...more
I read the review for this book in The Economist magazine some time ago. It was on my shelf througho...more
I really enjoyed this book - A very straight forward look at statistics and how they are often misused to shape our opinions and beliefs about the world. It offers a good basic understanding of statistical analysis that offers insight into what commonly reported numbers mean (and don't mean). I know I certainly read the daily newspaper with a little more attention to reported stats. To be fair, the authors really do believe in the usefulness of statistical analysis, they simply argue that you mu...more
some good insights, but there are quite a few factual and methodological errors - best for "mathphobes" who want to get a better grip on how to intelligently pick through the barrage of pseudo-fact that is thrusted on us by media, politicos, professionals, anyone with an agenda and a number on the tip of their tongue. UK focussed.
A nice book on avoiding pitfalls posed by the world of numbers and statistics.After reading this, you'll never again be able to read an article or a paper spouting statistics without questioning the validity of those numbers.Learn to penetrate the obfuscation afforded by the very nature of statistics.
The points made in this book are ones which are often taken for granted, especially by the general public and the media. Michael has done a good job at explaining some simple ideas with a set of strong cases. A quick but pleasant read.
A great follow-up to "How to Tell Lies with Statistics". I think these two books are an easy starting point for anyone who missed taking statistics in school. If you check out the table of contents on Amazon, you'll see a rough overview of what it's all about. It's a walkthrough of all the basic info you need to consider when you meet a number. And that reminds me to tell you the most important lesson from the book: size does matter. :)
PS The second-listed author does a podcast on BBC called "Mo...more
PS The second-listed author does a podcast on BBC called "Mo...more
Excellent text. Simply written. Encourages critical thinking and has changed how I respond to quoted figures. Reveals a world of spin & sleight of hand by media, marketers & politicians.
This was a very interesting read - enlightening about some basic principles that are easy to forget. The examples are mostly interesting and drawn from everyday life in the UK. It really gives an insight into how we make policy errors and shocking headlines - often with no substance behind the figures.
This book isn't the best written I've read, but it somehow comes alive nonetheless - it's a wonderful reminder that numbers aren't something to be afraid of and that statistics can lead you wrong if you don't understand them properly. If you've already read How to Lie with Statistics and want more, this is for you.
This is a guide to how statistics can be made to say whatever you wish them to say. Its a fascinating subject and pretty well done but i found it all a bit padded out and wordy at times.
There's an American version of this book now! It's called:
The Numbers Game: The Commonsense Guide to Understanding Numbers in the News, in Politics, and in Life
GET ON IT!!
The Numbers Game: The Commonsense Guide to Understanding Numbers in the News, in Politics, and in Life
GET ON IT!!
All you need to know about numbers, counting things and how they are (mis)used by the papers and the news. Revealing, fascinating and incredibly useful read.
Great book for those of us who like numbers. This was my text book for "Numeracy" - was a really fun book to read.
Good! Puts numbers and statistics in relatable and sometimes humorous terms.
Straightforward reminder of good practice when crunching numbers at work.
This book is extremely simplistic and basic.
Jun 01, 2013
Chris Houlden
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
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