Discussion Prompt 1: Some people prefer seeing data results in graphs, and others prefer seeing data in tables. Which do you prefer and why?
Discussion Prompt 2: Complete the Media Report Graph Game (all three options: Junk food, Music, Cost of petrol) located in the Week 6 Supplemental Resources. You can also access the game at: https://www3.stats.govt.nz/games/Media-report-1/index.html. Once completed:
- Discuss what you have learned about the perception of graphs and tables in the media, and how it can be manipulated.
- Find an example of a graph in the media that you think is skewed to achieve a particular spin on the subject being reported.
- Provide the link to the example you found.
- Explain why the example is not accurate, and what can be done to “fix” it.
Discussion Prompt 3:Why do you think so many hospital/healthcare administrators have difficulty understanding statistical methods used in healthcare research?
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor, it is my responsibility to design and conduct lectures, evaluate student performance, and provide feedback through examinations and assignments. One of the key elements of medical research is statistical analysis. In this context, I would like to answer the following discussion prompts.
Discussion Prompt 1:
Personally, I prefer seeing data results in graphs rather than tables. Graphs are an excellent way to visualize data, making it easy to understand the relationship between variables. A well-designed graph provides a clear picture of the research findings, highlighting significant trends, patterns, and anomalies. In contrast, data presented in tables can be overwhelming and difficult to comprehend, especially when dealing with large amounts of data.
Discussion Prompt 2:
Option 1: In the Media Report Graph Game, I found that the media often manipulates data to achieve a particular spin on the subject being reported. The game highlighted the importance of understanding the data presented in graphs accurately. Graphs can create a misleading impression on the viewer if they are not presented correctly. The media’s manipulation of graphs and tables can be dangerous as it can lead to incorrect conclusions that can have severe consequences.
Option 2: A prime example of a skewed graph in the media is the graph representing the number of COVID-19 cases in the United States. The graph, presented in a logarithmic scale, exaggerates the number of cases, creating a sense of panic amongst viewers. The use of logarithmic scales in COVID-19 graphs is an example of media bias that often leads to incorrect conclusions. To fix it, we need to use a linear scale on the x-axis instead of a logarithmic scale.
Discussion Prompt 3:
Healthcare administrators often have difficulty understanding the statistical methods used in healthcare research due to several reasons. Firstly, healthcare administrators have a clinical background, not a research background, which means they may lack the knowledge and experience required to understand statistical analysis. Secondly, statistics can be complicated, and it requires a significant effort to understand the technical jargon and mathematical concepts involved. Thirdly, healthcare administrators often have limited time due to their busy schedules, making it difficult to invest time in learning statistical analysis. To overcome this problem, it is essential to provide training programs that are specifically designed to help healthcare administrators understand statistical analysis. Additionally, it is vital to invest in tools and technologies that simplify statistical analysis, making it accessible to anyone with a basic understanding of the subject.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, understanding the importance of statistical analysis and mastering the art of presenting data accurately in graphs and tables is crucial for medical professionals and healthcare administrators. It is vital to invest in education, training, and technology that can simplify statistical analysis, making it more accessible to all.