Mr. Hale Snowball, meteorologist for a prominent network, is reporting on the weather. The temperature in New York City is 60 degrees Fahrenheit; in Las Vegas it is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Mr. Snowball remarks that it is twice as hot in Las Vegas as it is in New York. After the broadcast, Dr. Statlove informs Mr. Snowball that the fact that 120 degrees is double 60 degrees does not mean that it is “twice as hot.” Dr. Snowball’s colleague, Dr. Klutz, disagrees and says that it is twice as hot in Last Vegas as in New York City.

Question

What does this demonstrate?

Answer 1

This demonstrates the importance of understanding the nuances of statistics and the need to be precise when making statements about data. It also shows the importance of having a basic understanding of mathematics when making statements about data.