If you have time to watch the news...

(and I don't have time) watch ABC. Gary Langer is a thinker!


These aren't mere quibbles. I've reported previously on misreporting of scientific data in studies on subjects as disparate as autism, parenting and even naps. Whatever the subject, as studies like these enter the discourse through credible media sources they can influence our thinking and ultimately inform public policy. In deciding whether and how to report them, we need first to check them out in detail, as we do any other alleged news that comes in over the transom. As newspeople, that's our job. Or should be.

Wow, someone is actually examining the stupid statistics we are constantly barraged with? This is amazing.

via Freakonomics