The biggest stats lesson of 2016

what is the big statistical lesson of 2016? Here at STATS.org, we believe 2016’s major message is that statistical issues should be reported clearly and frequently to avoid miscommunication to lay audiences.  This message was highlighted by the mismatch between the...

Suspicious supervisors and suspect surveys

Public opinion polls are ubiquitous in rich countries, especially during elections. Such polls estimate general support levels for political candidates based on the strength of their support within a small sample of that population. The classical ideal for building...

Presidential Polling’s Margin for Error

Polls are finding Donald Trump ahead—way ahead—of other candidates running for the Republican nomination for presidency. Based on a recent Pew Research Center poll, CNN practically declared victory for him, noting he got 25 percent of the votes in the survey. The...

Israeli Election Socks it to Pollsters

The recent Israeli election provides a case study in how political polls—and even exit polls—can get the answer badly wrong, with the result that election winner seemed to flip flop from news outlet to news outlet as the actual count unfolded. The print edition of The...

Israeli Election Socks it to Pollsters

The recent Israeli election provides a case study in how political polls—and even exit polls—can get the answer badly wrong, with the result that election winner seemed to flip flop from news outlet to news outlet as the actual count unfolded. The print edition of The...