Matt_Simpson comments on Funnel plots: the study that didn't bark, or, visualizing regression to the null - Less Wrong

47 Post author: gwern 04 December 2011 11:05AM

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Comment author: Matt_Simpson 30 November 2011 08:57:47PM 9 points [-]

Here's an example of funnel plots used in a completely different context - this time showing that a BBC reporter is overinterpreting statistical noise. (Hilarilously, the BBC makes a public statement defending their report that shows that they - whoever wrote the statement anyway - failed to understand the criticism, see this for a catalog of the back and forth).

Comment author: XFrequentist 30 November 2011 09:36:17PM *  11 points [-]

Dr Goldacre suggests the difference between the best- and worst-performing authorities falls within a range that could be expected through chance. But this does not change the fact that there is a threefold difference between the best and worst local authorities.

Emphasis added for extra hilarity.