Ideas worth spreading

3 ways to spot a bad statistic

2,241,377 views | Mona Chalabi • TEDNYC

Sometimes it's hard to know what statistics are worthy of trust. But we shouldn't count out stats altogether ... instead, we should learn to look behind them. In this delightful, hilarious talk, data journalist Mona Chalabi shares handy tips to help question, interpret and truly understand what the numbers are saying.

Sometimes it's hard to know what statistics are worthy of trust. But we shouldn't count out stats altogether ... instead, we should learn to look behind them. In this delightful, hilarious talk, data journalist Mona Chalabi shares handy tips to help question, interpret and truly understand what the numbers are saying.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Learn how to work with data at School of Data.

Navigate the bullshit-rich modern environment by identifying it, seeing through it and combating it with effective analysis and argument.

About the speaker

Mona Chalabi

Data journalist

See speaker profile

Mona Chalabi tries to take the numb out of numbers. She's left with lots of "ers."

William Davies | Article

"How statistics lost their power – and why we should fear what comes next"

This article provides some great historical context - about why governments first started collecting statistics and why they’re still so important today.

| Explore

Agnes Martin’s paintings

Although it doesn’t use data, Martin’s work is inspiring because it’s so meditative and peaceful. Her art uses lines and dots to explore themes like friendship and sadness - things we don’t necessarily associate with structure but still provide order to our lives.

Darrell Huff | Book

How to Lie with Statistics

This is a timeless classic - the lovely little illustrations are a great reminder that every concept can be visualized one way or another.

Kennedy Elliott | Article

"39 studies about human perception in 30 minutes"

If you feel totally confused by a chart, it’s probably the chats fault, not yours. This piece (which was also a great talk you can see here) provides some great context about why some charts make sense and others don’t.

Learn more

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Learn how to work with data at School of Data.

Navigate the bullshit-rich modern environment by identifying it, seeing through it and combating it with effective analysis and argument.