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Statistics hiding in plain sight: How this four-minute long interview on polling data can be used in class

Statistical literacy is important. I love examples of folks using statistical concepts without being snobby statistical gatekeepers.  For instance, see jargon-free statistical literacy that helps people make important decisions about their children's health or informs the  immigration debate .   As stats teachers, I think we are remiss if we don't talk about political polling in our classes. At least a little bit. Here is a brief, nonpartisan interview about political polling you can use in class to see whether students can identify the concepts they've learned. Here is a short  NPR i nterview o n  how to think properly about political polling. If you use the interview in class, you could ask your students to identify the statistics and research methods mentioned.  I clocked margin of error,  sampling error,  and research methodology evaluation. If using an audio interview isn't your thing, check out t his summary piece from NPR, based on the...

Wehavethedata on Instagram

This post isn't a specific lesson idea, but a resource that will delight your statsy brain. We Have The Data on Instagram  (and elsewhere) is an account that shares interesting data, data in a variety of formats and from a variety of sources about all sorts of topics. For example:




This is anti-brain rot for your IG feed. I also think there are countless classroom examples embedded in the content they share, especially as this account shares specific data points that are data that don't feel like data (like the difference in what 10.2 million will get you in two different parts of the country). I think they could be used in class to get your students to think more like a statistician. Enjoy. 


If this idea was helpful, you'll probably enjoy my textbook, Psychological Statistics for Everyone. It's basically this blog, but organized into a semester.

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