What's Behind the Numbers – Viewing Statistics with a Critical Eye, with Michael Legacy February 24, 2009

How often do people throw out statistics to bludgeon an opposing view and to support their side of an argument? How often do others look at the same set of data and arrive at fundamentally opposite conclusions? Using and reacting to data effectively is a large and growing part of everyday life and work, making it increasingly important to understand the basics of statistics, the science of learning from data.

Topics we’ll examine include: how polls are conducted and why it matters; why hormone replacement studies a decade apart arrived at opposite conclusions; how the media, politicians, and activists interpret numbers to their advantage; what are the sources of bad statistics; and what methods are used to mangle numbers.

Sessions: Five, 90-minute sessions
When: Tuesdays, February 24; March 3, 10, 24 & 31
Time: 6:30–8:00 pm

Michael Legacy has taught statistics for the past 19 years, and Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics since 1997. From 2001 to 2005, he served on the AP Statistics Development Committee, which writes the annual AP exam. In 2006, he published Prep for the AP Exam Guide, the companion to the third edition of the popular textbook, The Practice of Statistics, by Yates, Moore, and Starnes. Michael also authored The Teacher’s Guide for AP Statistics, which was published by the College Board in August 2008. He is the chair of the department of mathematics at Greenhill.

What is Greenhill After Dark?
Greenhill School’s popular program for adult learners is back for 2009, with a full slate of courses to challenge and captivate, enlighten and inspire. Registration is open to members of the general public — no Greenhill connection required! Greenhill After Dark is sponsored by the Greenhill School Alumni Association and supports financial aid funding at Greenhill School.

For info on other courses and to register, contact Christine Eastus at eastusc@greenhill.org, or visit http://www.greenhillafterdark.com.

Official Website: http://web2.greenhill.org/greenhillafterdark/w9_stat.html