Damn Lies and Statistics

Lies, damn Lies and statistics is a phrase commonly used to describe the persuasive power of statistics to bolster an argument, often a weak one.

Yesterday’s Perth Glory press conference saw owner and Chairman Tony Sage front the media and state that four straight losses was the worst run of results the club had had, saying that even in their worst run they never lost four in a row. Very few would expect Tony to actually get his statistics right, as when talking football he tends to get carried away in the moment, and actual facts frequently get lost.

What is unforgiveable is the amount of television and radio stations that actually lead into the story quoting the actual same statistic. Does no one actually check what people have said before simply taking it at face value?

The truth is for anyone who may be interested, Perth Glory’s loss against Brisbane Roar this season, their fourth in a row, equaled the unwanted record set in round 20 of the 2008-09 season.

Damn Lies and Statistics
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3 thoughts on “Damn Lies and Statistics

  • October 14, 2010 at 10:55 am
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    Thank you both of you for your comments, glad you agree that it is a poor reflection on those concerned.

  • October 13, 2010 at 4:33 pm
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    Good to see there media guy on the job. Perhaps we shouldn’t be so harsh on the commercial media when they have to liase with a bloke who can’t get match scores right on the clubs press releases

  • October 13, 2010 at 11:40 am
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    Come on, you didn’t really expect more from the commercial stations, or radio station like 6PR, they would love to put a negative spin on anything to do with the game. Hlaf of them claiming Mitchell was sacked. How many people have a job with the company after they are sacked?

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