Truth Or Truthiness: Distinguishing Fact From Fiction By Learning To Think Like A Data Scientist
by Howard Wainer /
2015 / English / PDF
4.7 MB Download
Teacher tenure is a problem. Teacher tenure is a solution. Fracking
is safe. Fracking causes earthquakes. Our kids are over-tested. Our
kids are not tested enough. We read claims like these in the
newspaper every day, often with no justification other than 'it
feels right'. How can we figure out what is right? Escaping from
the clutches of truthiness begins with one simple question: 'what
is the evidence?' With his usual verve and flair, Howard Wainer
shows how the sceptical mindset of a data scientist can expose
truthiness, nonsense, and outright deception. Using the tools of
causal inference he evaluates the evidence, or lack thereof,
supporting claims in many fields, with special emphasis in
education. This wise book is a must-read for anyone who has ever
wanted to challenge the pronouncements of authority figures and a
lucid and captivating narrative that entertains and educates at the
same time.
Teacher tenure is a problem. Teacher tenure is a solution. Fracking
is safe. Fracking causes earthquakes. Our kids are over-tested. Our
kids are not tested enough. We read claims like these in the
newspaper every day, often with no justification other than 'it
feels right'. How can we figure out what is right? Escaping from
the clutches of truthiness begins with one simple question: 'what
is the evidence?' With his usual verve and flair, Howard Wainer
shows how the sceptical mindset of a data scientist can expose
truthiness, nonsense, and outright deception. Using the tools of
causal inference he evaluates the evidence, or lack thereof,
supporting claims in many fields, with special emphasis in
education. This wise book is a must-read for anyone who has ever
wanted to challenge the pronouncements of authority figures and a
lucid and captivating narrative that entertains and educates at the
same time.
