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Excessive precision (view source)
Revision as of 15:53, September 26, 2018
, 15:53, September 26, 2018→top: HTTP --> HTTPS [#1], replaced: http://en.wikipedia.org → https://en.wikipedia.org
'''Excessive precision''' is a way of concealing how good the numbers are. [http://moregrumbinescience.blogspot.com/2008/09/excess-precision.html] For example, a 2011 ad for the Volkswagon Passat says it can go 795 miles on a tank of gas. This implies that 800 would be impossible, and that 790 is guaranteed, i.e., an accuracy of 5 miles. Actually, because of driving conditions or one's chosen speed there would be more variation.
'''Excessive precision''' is a way of concealing how good the numbers are. [http://moregrumbinescience.blogspot.com/2008/09/excess-precision.html] For example, a 2011 ad for the Volkswagen Passat says it can go 795 miles on a tank of gas. This implies that 800 would be impossible, and that 790 is guaranteed, i.e., an accuracy of 5 miles. Actually, because of driving conditions or one's chosen speed there would be more variation.
*"A general rule is to give precisions approximately one tenth the size of the object, unless there is a clear reason for additional precision. Overly precise coordinates can be misleading by implying that the geographic area is smaller than it truly is." [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Geographical_coordinates#Precision]
See:
See:
*[[accuracy]]
*[[accuracy]]
*''[[How to Lie With Statistics]]''
*''[[How to Lie With Statistics]]''
[[Category:Deceit]]
[[Category:Statistics]]