The Texas Sharpshooter Fallacy

Ignoring the difference while focusing on the similarities, thus coming to an inaccurate conclusion.

The makers of Sugarette Candy Drinks point to research showing that of the five countries where Sugarette drinks sell the most units, three of them are in the top ten healthiest countries on earth, therefore Sugarette drinks are healthy.

Note

There is an expression that goes something like, the data speaks for itself. This is wrong on so many levels. Data requires interpretation, and sometimes our interpretation of the data is wrong (think back to earlier modules where we talked about getting the explanation wrong despite making all the right observations). It behooves us to learn how to draw conclusions from data. A well-rounded undergraduate education should include at least one statistics course. If that’s not an option, consider reading a classic book from the 1950s titled How to Lie with Statistics. Alternatively, you may listen to the episode entitled “How to Lie with Statistics “ from Darrell Huff’s What You Will Learn podcast.