*The Debatewise Blog
114% risk of death…
Most of the time at debatewise we try to support our arguments with 'hard facts' and this usually mean statistics. There's no more convincing way to prove your point than to hit your opponent with some numbers. Because numbers can't be argued with...right? Not according to author Michael Blastland, who has produced a series of hilarious and informative 'lessons' on seeing through the statistics which headlines present to as us proven fact. My personal favourites are his teachings on percentages, in particular this gem:"The story: Vitamin E can kill. Supplements cause a 14% increase in mortality, said the man on telly, standing in front of a huge "14%", propped up on a number like the bar of the local.
The flaw: Funny, but wasn't my risk of mortality quite high already? Like, 100%? But no, it's even worse than that. Vitamin E supplements apparently make the end more than certain. For death has become like a footballer, giving it 114% out there today, Brian. "
So for tips on how to debunk statistics in your counter-arguments and a greater insight into the truth behind the news, check it out!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7568929.stm