Limitations and Distrust of Statistics
Nine key limitations of statistics including inability to study qualitative phenomena, dealing with individuals, misuse, averages, inexact laws, and the famous river-crossing story.
Limitations of Statistics
Statistics is a powerful tool, but it has important limitations. Click each card to flip and learn more.
The River-Crossing Story (Misuse of Averages)
Once a family of four persons (husband, wife and two children) set out to cross a river. The father knew the average depth of the river.
Distrust of Statistics
Why the Distrust?
In spite of the services provided by statistics, considerable distrust exists in the minds of people with regard to its reliability and usefulness. The reason for this distrust is the improper use of statistical tools by unscrupulous, irresponsible, inexperienced, and dishonest persons.