How Not to Lie With Statistics: Avoiding Common Mistakes in Quantitative Political Science

Citation:

Gary King. 1986. “How Not to Lie With Statistics: Avoiding Common Mistakes in Quantitative Political Science.” American Journal of Political Science, 30, Pp. 666–687. Copy at https://tinyurl.com/y4o4erh7
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How Not to Lie With Statistics: Avoiding Common Mistakes in Quantitative Political Science

Abstract:

This article identifies a set of serious theoretical mistakes appearing with troublingly high frequency throughout the quantitative political science literature. These mistakes are all based on faulty statistical theory or on erroneous statistical analysis. Through algebraic and interpretive proofs, some of the most commonly made mistakes are explicated and illustrated. The theoretical problem underlying each is highlighted, and suggested solutions are provided throughout. It is argued that closer attention to these problems and solutions will result in more reliable quantitative analyses and more useful theoretical contributions.
Last updated on 07/29/2013