Evaluate reports based on data

What you'll learn

1. Identify the data source, study type, and central claim of a data-based report
2. Evaluate whether the sampling/data-collection method supports the report's generalization to a population
3. Evaluate whether the study design supports the report's causal or comparative claim (distinguishing association from causation)
4. Evaluate whether the report discloses its uncertainty -- margin of error, sample size, or significance -- and whether the claim overstates the evidence
5. Identify misleading data displays and write a justified overall judgment of a report's credibility

Prerequisites

• Decide if a model is consistent with data
• Distinguish surveys, experiments, and observational studies
• Estimate population parameters with margin of error
• Compare two treatments from a randomized experiment