Statistics rule the world! When you flick on the tv you are confronted by a range of advertisements that use statistics to claim that their product is the best, e.g.a Loreal advert claims that 75% of women surveyed agree that their product will produce strong, full of life hair. This claim helps to maintain the popularity of their product. Not only are statistics used to affect our everyday consumption but they have a huge impact on social policies implemented by the government, i.e. consideration of zero tolerance policies in deterring criminal behaviour in the United States or suggestions on how our health care system can be improved.
Having a strong statistical background enables a person to question these statistics. In terms of the Loreal advert they would be able to question the statistical methods used. By questioning the data those with a strong statistical background are able to make their own informed decision. The same applies to those attempting to implement new or change existing social policies, the government are advised by statistical experts who are able to pull apart research and statistical evidence to see whether what is being claimed is correct.
Being able to manipulate data, present statistical evidence and explain clearly what this evidence means, gives you an advantage in the art of persuasion. After all it sounds more convincing when you hear that “45% of patients at Park Prewett Hospital (Basingstoke) behaved violently and they were diagnosed as having schizophrenia, accounting for 71% of incidents at the hospital (Fottrell, 1980)”, than “patients diagnosed with schizophrenia behave more violently in a psychiatric hospital”. The latter appears as an opinion as it has no evidence to support the claims. Plus if you are able to explain statistical evidence to other people, you are likely to have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, which are essential to everyday working life.
Also when people hear the term statistics there is often an automatic association with science, many people assume that statistics, numbers, are superior and there appears to be a belief that numbers do not lie. However, if you are a statistical whizz you are likely to know ways of fixing data to benefit your cause and this is why research should be replicable. Furthermore, statistics provide a visual representation of what is being said, a statistical expert is able to produce a series of graphs and/or diagrams to help persuade a person of what they are saying.
If you would like to read more about the Fottrell (1980) study visit http://0-bjp.rcpsych.org.unicat.bangor.ac.uk/content/136/3/216.full.pdf+html?sid=14a398ae-91e7-4560-8649-5c2387a7840e