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Logic / Unit 9   Logic 434 short lesson, about 20 seconds

Statistical Claims in Media

Captions available

The idea

Four questions for every reported number: What's the source? What was the sample? What's the base rate? Compared to what?

In practice

"Risk doubled" — from one in a million to two. All four questions, one headline, verdict reversed.

Where people slip

Relative risk without base rate (350) is the press release's favorite instrument. The four questions take fifteen seconds; skipping them is a choice.

Your place on the trail

Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.

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