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Something About Lies and Statistics...

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CNet is running a story about reader reaction to the new Windows Media Photo format. From the fine article:

In an unscientific poll asking whether a JPEG competitor is needed, almost half of the 5,621 voters said maybe, "but I'm concerned about it being a Microsoft product."

Kudos for labelling it as "unscientific", but this is really stretching it a bit. The poll results make it sound like 50% of the respondents are concerned about it being a Microsoft product, but the trouble is that the only three choices for the poll are:

  • No, JPEG works just fine.
  • Yes, e-mail and Web pages need smaller files.
  • Maybe, but I'm concerned about it being a Microsoft product.

So there was no ability to say "maybe" without also saying "but I'm concerned about it being a Microsoft product." I think that shows some clear bias on behalf of the poll authors.

My new poll:

Is this blog the best thing you've ever read?

  • Yes!
  • No, I want you to poke me in the eye with a sharp stick

Cast your vote below in the comments section!

Comments

  • Anonymous
    June 01, 2006
    The comment has been removed
  • Anonymous
    June 01, 2006
    No, I want you to poke me in the eye with a sharp stick. :)

    It's funny that you mention this b/c I was just reading an article about other public polls (like political polls, etc.) and how the pollsters can skew the numbers by engineering the questions.
  • Anonymous
    June 01, 2006
    OK Josh, where do you want to meet up for your eye-poking apointment? :-)

    But yeah, you can make a poll "prove" anything you want by selecting the right questions, the right audience, etc.
  • Anonymous
    June 05, 2006
    The comment has been removed