People and their opinions
I've tried to write this particular blog post about a dozen times during the last 5 years ... but I always get stuck and give up. I am determined to keep it brief this time and then click save.
Here's the idea: the internet has made it too easy for stupid people to share their opinions.
Take a look at this article, written by a fully qualified doctor, and then look at the comments.
It's a sad fact - though many will dispute it - that over 75% of the population have below average IQ. And, yet they still let them use the internet.
I'm going to click save before I delete the previous paragraph.
"that over 75% of the population have below average IQ"
I'm pretty sure IQ is normally distributed...
Posted by: Jason Yip | April 23, 2008 at 02:06 PM
80% of the population believe their IQ to be above average... however, as Jason points out, 50% are above average and 50% are below.
Posted by: SKI | April 23, 2008 at 02:42 PM
Well, some of the comments were written by other doctors who disagreed on certain points with the author. As only one person (not the author) cited any evidence, it's rather tricky for a lay person to know which of the trained doctors is right.
The point about regular breast and testicle examinations seems to be a little subtle. From piecing together the arguments, it seems to be detrimental to worry about it, but we should be go to the doctor if we do become aware of problems. That's sensible enough, but the author didn't make that particularly clear, IMO.
Posted by: Dave Berry | April 29, 2008 at 10:55 PM
All the examples bar one are of the 'large population' type wher the pacebo & nocebo effects are large. While the doctor's comments may be true, the general public would probably mis-understand, just as in the MMR case. The nominal advice tries to influnce the population rather than the educated individual.
Also the miss use of statistics is common. A lump in the testicle is bad, even if it isn't diagnosed as cancer. Playing with them all the time doesn't really help. You'll most likely die of something else.
Posted by: Philip Oakley | April 30, 2008 at 10:03 PM
In terms of that percentage...
1) the median level (half way point) is often suitably different to the average level. e.g. average salary is higher than median, that's why unions always want it, and poverty won't be solved [its based on average salary]
2) look up the Ignobel awards, particulary "Unskilled and Unaware of it".
Posted by: Philip Oakley | April 30, 2008 at 10:08 PM