Statistical literacy and sample survey results |
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Authors: | Lynn McAlevey Charles Sullivan |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Finance and Quantitative Analysis , University of Otago , P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand lmcalevey@business.otago.ac.nz;3. Capital Research , 31 Gloucester Street, Wilton, Wellington, New Zealand |
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Abstract: | Sample surveys are widely used in the social sciences and business. The news media almost daily quote from them, yet they are widely misused. Using students with prior managerial experience embarking on an MBA course, we show that common sample survey results are misunderstood even by those managers who have previously done a statistics course. In general, they fare no better than managers who have never studied statistics. There are implications for teaching, especially in business schools, as well as for consulting. |
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Keywords: | statistical literacy sample surveys business statistics confidence intervals |
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