Misinterpretations of Statistics In Exercises 8 discuss the

Misinterpretations of Statistics. In Exercises 8, discuss the statement and tell what possible misuses or misinterpretations may exist.

8.         Arizona has the highest death rate for asthma in the United States. Therefore, it is unsafe to go to Arizona if you have asthma.

Solution

Arizona has the highest death rate for asthma in the United States, it means that the in Arizona, the proportion of people who have Asthama and death rates are strongly positively correlated and correlation does not mean causation. This does not mean that if you have Asthama, it is more likely you will be dead if you go to the Arizona.