Truth or Truthiness: Distinguishing Fact from Fiction by Learning to Think Like a Data Scientist

Howard Wainer

ISBN 10: 1107130573 / ISBN 13: 9781107130579

Published by Cambridge University Press, 2015

About this Item

New copy - Usually dispatched within 4 working days.

Seller Inventory # B9781107130579

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Truth or Truthiness: Distinguishing Fact from Fiction by Learning to Think Like a Data Scientist
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1107130573
• ISBN 13: 9781107130579
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: New
• Weight: 717 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Teacher tenure is a problem. Teacher tenure is a solution. Fracking is safe. Fracking causes earthquakes. Our kids are over-tested. Our kids are not tested enough. We read claims like these in the newspaper every day, often with no justification other than 'it feels right'. How can we figure out what is right? Escaping from the clutches of truthiness begins with one simple question: 'what is the evidence?' With his usual verve and flair, Howard Wainer shows how the sceptical mindset of a data scientist can expose truthiness, nonsense, and outright deception. Using the tools of causal inference he evaluates the evidence, or lack thereof, supporting claims in many fields, with special emphasis in education. This wise book is a must-read for anyone who has ever wanted to challenge the pronouncements of authority figures and a lucid and captivating narrative that entertains and educates at the same time.

About the Author

Howard Wainer is a Distinguished Research Scientist at the National Board of Medical Examiners. He has published more than four hundred articles and chapters in scholarly journals and books.